What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Immune disorder: Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an autoimmune-type disorder which affect mostly people older than 50.Frequently starts in the shoulders or neck w/pain & weakness.Left untreated it can damage tendons & muscles permanently.It responds very well to steroid treatment, but that has it's drawbacks too as long-term steroid use has complications, as well.No one knows exact cause.May be genetic factors.

Standard rx?: Has been with prednisone at moderately high doses. I am a fan of weekly subcutaneous methotrexate, 25 mg /week. The new IL-6 inhibitors are very effective but costly. I've seen too many steroid side effects from prednisone!