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The Difference Between Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia

People are often puzzled if there is a difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia, because of the similarity between the names and symptoms. When someone is diagnosed with polymyalgia or fibromyalgia, he or she may become confused thinking whether these two are same.

Since the term 'myalgia' implies 'pain occurring in the muscles', both of these conditions are characterized by an intense feeling of muscle ache. However, there is still a difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia.

Causes Are Different

There is a significant difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia when we try to find out the causes of each disorder. Although the exact reason behind the development of polymyalgia is still unknown, many scientists believe that polymyalgia is another form of autoimmune disease, during which connective tissues become adversely affected by the immune system itself.

On the other hand, fibromyalgia develops as a result of maladaptive sensory processing occurring in the central nervous system (CNS). This is why people suffering from fibromyalgia may become extremely sensitive to the unpleasant stimuli present in the environment. These people are also extremely sensitive to pain.

Not All Symptoms Are the Same

Although many symptoms are common between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia, a difference is still there, since clinical manifestation of many symptoms significantly differs. The major symptoms of polymyalgia include severe form of stiffness and muscle ache in the shoulders, neck and hips. People suffering from polymyalgia may experience flu-like conditions as well.

On the other hand, people suffering from fibromyalgia experience widespread pain all over the body. There are a wide number of tender zones in the body. Fatigue, poor quality of sleep, lack of concentration, headache and irregular bowel syndrome are the common symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Prevalence of the Complications

Both fibromyalgia and polymyalgia may occur more in women more than men, so there is no gender specific difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia. However, there is a difference in the age factor, since fibromyalgia can occur at any age, whereas, polymyalgia usually occurs in people over 50 years of age.

Treatment Methodologies

The primary mode of treatment for polymyalgia involves relief from inflammation. Patients having polymyalgia may be suggested to undergo Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), if they are experiencing mild degree of polymyalgia. Prolonged usage of this drug may bring adverse side effects like stomach bleeding, intestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, etc. Corticosteroids are administered as the severe form of polymyalgia.

The non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs administration may not turn out to be beneficial in treating people with fibromyalgia. Narcotics including codeine, propoxyphene and oxycodone are found to be effective in relieving pain. In both the cases, light exercise like walking and healthy diet is a must to follow. There is no difference between these two disorders in such conditions.