BACKACHE WITH WEAKNESS: TREATMENT
If your doctor discovers you have polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or polymyalgia rheumatica, he will probably prescribe the corticosteroid prednisone to help reduce pain and inflammation. Prednisone will also help lessen the skin rash and inflammation that accompany dermatomyositis. Prednisone works by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels and tissues by increasing the body’s tolerance to the inflammation, thus alleviating the symptoms.
The prednisone will be started at a high dose, usually about 40 to 60 milligrams daily. This will then gradually be decreased to a lower dose over a period of several weeks to several months. Side effects include bloating and a “moon face.”
- If your muscles remain weak and achy despite treatment, or they occasionally stiffen up, your doctor may recommend that you schedule regular sessions with a physical therapist to help keep your muscles flexible with range of motion exercises and the use of heat therapy. In any case, it’s a good idea to participate in an exercise program after the initial pain and inflammation subside; regular activity should become part of your life in order to prevent future flare-ups.
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