Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition of the joints causing:

  • Severe pain and stiffness in the neck, back, shoulders and hips

It is a condition of unknown cause that occurs in individuals over the age of 55, and affects women more often than men. Medical treatment for PMR is corticosteroids. Naturopathic medicine treats the symptoms, but also aims to balance the immune system. This is accomplished through the use of natural treatments, including:

  • Asian medicine
  • Botanical medicine
  • Diet counselling
  • Hormone modulation with botanical medicine or bioidentical hormones
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Lifestyle counselling
  • Low-level laser therapy
  • Natural anti-inflammatories and pain modulators
  • Nutraceuticals

Treatment will take approximately 3-6 months, and will result in reduced inflammation, pain and stiffness. Many people can eventually reduce or cease their medication.

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