What is the Difference Between Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia?

Fibromyalgia and polymyalgia are both chronic pain conditions that can cause muscle pain, but they differ in various aspects, including symptoms, causes, and treatments. Here are the main differences between the two:

Age of onset: Fibromyalgia can occur at any age, while polymyalgia rarely occurs before age 50 and usually resolves itself within two years.
Symptoms: Both conditions cause muscle pain, but the locations of the pain differ. People with fibromyalgia often experience pain on both sides of the body, usually in 18 key places, while people with polymyalgia typically feel stiffness and pain in their shoulders, back, and hip girdles.
Causes: Polymyalgia is considered an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake. Fibromyalgia pain, on the other hand, is thought to be caused by overactive nerves that make the body perceive pain.
Mental health: Both conditions may cause depression related to living with a painful chronic condition.
Treatments: Polymyalgia is primarily treated with corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to quickly relieve symptoms. Fibromyalgia treatments involve a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers, antidepressant medications, and exercise. Medications specifically for fibromyalgia include Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Savella.

In summary, fibromyalgia and polymyalgia are different disorders with distinct characteristics, despite their similarities in muscle pain. Proper diagnosis and treatment plans are essential for managing these conditions effectively.