Alternative Treatment for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Often misidentified at first as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgiac rheumatica is a poorly understood condition of inflammation, stiffness and pain in the muscles of the body, usually in the back, neck and shoulders. While Western traditional medicine tends to treat this condition with steroids, there are several alternatives that utilize less chemical approaches.

Background

• Polymyalgiac rheumatica gets its name from the Greek for "pain in many muscles". It is an auto-immune disorder usually affecting patients over 50 years of age. It creates inflammation and pain in the muscles. The underlying cause is unknown.

Traditional Treatment

• Traditional Western treatment involves injection or ingestion of steroidal drugs to reduce the inflammation. If the steroids succeed in alleviating the pain, it indicates an adrenal imbalance in the patient. The down sides to steroid treatment over time include heavy wear and tear on the digestive system, particularly on the liver.

Alternative Treatments

• Non-drug treatment suggestions for polymyalgia abound and depend on the specific symptoms.

  Consumption of alcohol is highly discouraged. Alcohol creates several chemical conditions in the body that discourage the relief of the inflammation responsible for causing the polymyagia pain.

  A change in diet is most assuredly recommended. There are many "cleansing" diets mentioned in research that can help detoxify the system and encourage your immune system to start working more efficiently. Diets high in fried and sugary foods can interfere with your immune system. Supplements from the vitamin B family are recommended to many patients suffering from polymyagia as well as omega-6 fatty acids (or fish oil supplements) that both boost immune function and have anti-inflammatory properties.

  Many problems in the body stem from a condition of dehydration. The body is made up of more than 80% water and consuming 8 to 10 glasses of water each day helps to cleanse your system of all sorts of toxic substances, keep organs functioning properly and regulate your core temperature.

  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have a history of success in treating all sorts of immunological and inflammatory disorders. Seeing a properly licensed acupuncturist or herbalist can open up a host of new, well-guided treatment strategies for you.