What Is the Difference between Fibromyalgia and Polymyalgia?

Some people are often confused by the difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia, because of the similarities in the names and symptoms. When someone is diagnosed with either polymyalgia or fibromyalgia, he or she may be confused into thinking that they are the same.

The term 'myalgia' refers to 'pain of the muscles'. Since, both of these conditions are characterized by an intense feeling of muscle ache, they have the same descriptor. However, there is a difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia. Let us discuss the significant differences between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia.

The Different Causes

There is a significant difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia with regards to the causes of each disorder. Although the exact reason behind the development of polymyalgia is still unknown, many experts believe that polymyalgia is a form of autoimmune disease, in which the connective tissues are adversely affected by the immune system itself. On the other hand, fibromyalgia is the result of maladaptive sensory processing occurring in the central nervous system. This is why people suffering from fibromyalgia may become very sensitive to certain stimuli present in the environment. These people are also very sensitive to pain and touch.

The Difference in Symptoms

While many symptoms are common, the difference between fibromyalgia and polymyalgia exist in some of the other symptoms. The major symptoms of polymyalgia include severe stiffness and muscle ache in the shoulders, neck and hips region. People suffering from polymyalgia may also experience flu-like conditions as well.

On the other hand, people suffering from fibromyalgia will experience widespread pain throughout the body. There are also a number of tender zones around the body. Fatigue, poor quality of sleep, lack of concentration, headache and irregular bowel syndrome (IBS) are also common symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The Difference in Term of Prevalence of the Complications

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

Methods of Treatment

The primary form of treatment for polymyalgia involves inflammation relief. Patients with polymyalgia may be prescribed non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), if they are only experiencing mild degree of polymyalgia. However, prolonged usage of this drug may bring on adverse side effects like stomach bleeding, intestinal bleeding and high blood pressure. Corticosteroids are prescribed for the more severe form of polymyalgia.

The non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs may not be effective for treating people with fibromyalgia. Narcotics including codeine, propoxyphene and oxycodone are more effective in relieving pain for fibromyalgia. In both the cases, light exercise like walking and healthy diet is highly recommended.

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