If you find that you are suffering from overall stiffness, an ample amount of pain in your muscles, and body fatigue, it can be difficult to determine what the cause of your pain might be. Although your doctor will inevitably provide you with a diagnosis, it is still beneficial to become aware of the differences associated with the two medical conditions that present the same symptoms: polymyalgia and fibromyalgia.
The Difference of Symptoms
Both fibromyalgia and polymyalgia are medical conditions that result in the inflammation of muscles and therefore it can be difficult to tell them apart without carefully analyzing their symptoms. Polymyalgia generally involves pain and stiffness in the muscles associated with your neck, hips, legs, arms, and shoulders. The pain that you experience will generally arise once you have started to rest. Fibromyalgia also shows the same type of muscle pain in the same bodily areas, though it also commonly associated with tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and an immense amount of issues with memory retention.
Who is Prone to Developing these Conditions?
As with the majority of medical conditions, it can be difficult to determine which demographic is more prone to be affected by a particular illness. With that being said, it is the same for both polymyalgia and fibromyalgia. According to scientific research conducted by the Mayo Clinic, polymyalgia is incredibly rare in patients under the age of 50 and affected patients are generally over the age of 65. Whereas fibromyalgia can affect individuals of any age, although it is far more common in women than men.
Contraction of the Disease
There have been studies that have shown the possibility of a genetic correlation with both fibromyalgia and polymyalgia, meaning that if someone in your family has the condition, you are more likely to have it as well. This theory is true for an ample amount of physical and mental disorders and illnesses. There has also been research to prove that other infections such as autoimmune diseases and arthritis are two common factors that influence the contraction of fibromyalgia. You are also at a higher risk for fibromyalgia if you experience an ample amount of physical or emotional traumas.
It is important to consider speaking with a medical professional if you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms. With the help of a medical practitioner, you will be able to become diagnosed and receive immediate treatment for these two painful conditions.
