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Causes of Polymyalgia rheumatica

PMR triggers an abnormal immune system response – the white blood cells (which usually protect us against harmful viruses) start to damage the lining of the joints. This causes widespread inflammation of the muscles and results in the aches and pains you  will feel.

The exact cause of PMR is unknown, although it sometimes follows infection with an adenovirus (the virus responsible for most common illnesses like colds and diarrhoea).

However, in most cases PMR is spontaneous and has no known cause.