Polymyalgia Rheumatica natural treatment, alternative therapy, supplements herbs vitamins that may benefit by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively chronic, episodic, inflammatory disease of the large arteries and a common cause of widespread aching and stiffness in older adults. About one in 200 adults over the age of 50 have PMR.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica treatment
The beneficial effects of corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of rheumatic diseases may be offset by the occurrence of corticosteroid-related osteoporosis.

Polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are aching and stiffness, worst on arising in the morning, affecting the upper arms, neck, shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, buttocks, and thighs. Symptoms usually respond promptly and completely to low doses of corticosteroids.

Complications of polymyalgia rheumatica
PMR may be the first manifestation of giant cell arteritis. Polymyalgia rheumatica may be the initial presentation of other rheumatologic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, myopathy, vasculitis, and chondrocalcinosis. Polymyalgia rheumatica may be the first manifestation of an endocrine disorder, a malignancy, or an infection.

questions
Q. Have you any experience or an opinion on taking DHEA to help reduce the reliance on prednisone for people with polymyalgia rheumatica? Are there any nutritional supplements that would help?
   A. Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica  with new-onset active disease before steroid treatment have normal cortisol levels regarding the ongoing inflammation, and lower levels of DHEAS compared to the age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Whether taking DHEA is helpful in this condition is not clear since we can't find any human studies as of September 2007. As to the nutritional approach to PMR, I don't have much clinical experience, but it would be worth trying a low inflammatory diet that consists of a large intake of a variety of vegetables, vegetable juices, and fish. Perhaps fish oil capsules would be helpful.

Q. Any herbs or supplements that will help with polymyalgia rheumatica to stop taking steroids. Intense muscle inflammation.
   A. I have not seen any specific research regarding the natural treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica with diet, herbs or supplements, but perhaps natural treatments that help rheumatoid arthritis may also help reduce the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica.

As a retired Holistic Practitioner I have been aware of 5HTP for many decades and was thrilled to find Dr. Sahelian's website and book. Now it is my turn to seek information for myself! I am taking 10 mg of Prednisone for Polymyalgia Rheumatica and now in the 5th month of a possible 12 month regime. The side affects are horrific and my emotional state is -0 on the Richter scale!!! Does 5HTP assist with "pharmaceutically induced" depression and panic attacks?
    It may, but it is difficult to predict in any one individual what the benefits or side effects would be or what dosage is appropriate.
      Thank you so much for your reply and for your truthfulness. I have actually been experiencing some significant relief, emotionally / psychologically, since starting 50 mg of 5HTP a few days ago. So, I will continue with the suggested regime and let the future unfold. I appreciate your comment. Knowing that we are all respond / react in an individual manner it is always interesting just to see how that tapestry of information unfolds. So far, following 5 days of 50 mg at night I am feeling grounded and less "volatile" and definitely less anxiety. I will maintain this regime for 2 weeks then start the 5 days on 2 days off and 1 week off a month. If your team come up with anything for what I am terming "pharmaceutically induced" depression from Prednisone I would be very interested in hearing from you.

I am a freelance journalist currently working on an article about home treatments for polymyalgia. I have three quick questions for you, if you don't mind taking the time to answer them. Do you specialize in alternative medicine? Is there a time when a person afflicted with polymyalgia should turn to more mainstream medicines for a cure? Which herb or supplement (or combination of supplements), has produced the best over all results in relieving the symptoms of polymyalgia?