Differentiating between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently read in one of your newsletters about fibromyalgia. I have polymyalgia. Could you please explain the difference between the two and what medication I should be using? I would appreciate hearing from you.
DEAR READER: Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread pain of muscles and ligaments, coupled with a painful response to even gentle touch. The symptoms may wax and wane and can be vague. Women are more prone to the disorder and typically experience pain throughout the entire body. Men, on the other hand, often report facial pain or discomfort in a specific part of the body. This is often a diagnosis of exclusion, because so many symptoms mimic other disorders, making it difficult for a physician to diagnose. Fibromyalgia cannot be confirmed by X-ray or other specific testing. Weather and physical and emotional stress levels play important roles in day-to-day pain levels and functioning.
Relaxation and stress reduction are both vital components for pain control. Initially, sufferers should speak with a physician for recommendations for appropriate over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Then these people should set up a plan of regular exercise, reduce consumption of products that contain caffeine and high-fructose corn syrup, and, finally, coordinate a sleep schedule that will provide a refreshing start to each day.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory, arthritic syndrome causing fatigue, weakness, anemia, weight loss, widespread muscle aches, pains and stiffness of the neck, shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs. It develops over an extended period of time in some people and seemingly overnight in others, lasting a year or two before ceasing. Gender and age increase the risk of developing this condition, as it almost exclusively affects people 70 and older, with women more likely than men to carry the diagnosis.
Normal white blood cells protect the body from invading bacteria and viruses. In the presence of polymyalgia, the body’s white blood cells attack joint linings and cause inflammation. Studies thus far have failed to determine the exact cause of this abnormal immune-system response, but theories lean toward genetic and environmental factors.
Blood testing is a simple method for detection. The two most common tests are a sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor. A sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube, with the rate increasing in the presence of inflammation. While this one evaluation can’t create a surefire answer because of rheumatoid arthritis and other disorders, it will help. A rheumatoid factor is a protein made by the immune system present in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It isn’t present, however, in those people with polymyalgia.
Home remedies include proper diet with emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, whole grains, and supplemental calcium and vitamin D. The current recommendation is 800 IU of vitamin D and 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily. Speak with your physician regarding exercise, a critical component for pain reduction. Consider water aerobics, swimming, riding a stationary bicycle, using an elliptical machine, walking or other low-impact methods to keep limber and prevent weight gain.
To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Fibromyalgia” and “Managing Chronic Pain.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).