Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a clinical syndrome characterized by muscle pain and stiffness affecting the neck, shoulders, and hips that is associated with an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It predominantly affects those over age 50 and women are more commonly affected than men. Treatment involves corticosteroids which provide rapid relief of symptoms for most patients. Tapering of steroids over 12-18 months is usually needed.