Medical cannabis treatments for polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a form of arthritis that causes severe muscle pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips. Medical cannabis treatments may help eligible patients to alleviate symptoms like sleep disturbances and inflammation.

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica, or PMR, is a relatively common inflammatory condition that causes pain, stiffness and aching in the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips.

The term ‘polymyalgia’ simply translates to ‘poly’ (which means ‘many’) and ‘myalgia’ (which means muscle pain). Rheumatica, on the other hand, refers to pain and stiffness in the joints and connective tissues. 

According to statistics from NICE, PMR is one of the most common inflammatory rheumatic diseases in older adults in the UK. Women are also up to three times more likely to develop the condition than men.

You may also have an increased risk of developing PMR if you:

• are aged over 50 years old

• have been diagnosed with another related condition called giant cell arthritis (GCA)

• have been diagnosed with diverticulitis 

• are of Northern European origin

• have a family history of either PMR or GCA

While there is currently still no cure for PMR, having the right treatment plan in place can help to manage symptoms more effectively.

What symptoms does polymyalgia rheumatica cause?

PMR symptoms can vary from person to person, but most patients will experience some form of pain and stiffness in their shoulders, neck and hips.

PMR symptoms also typically appear suddenly and can feel like they come out of nowhere. You may be absolutely fine when going to bed, but then find that you need help when trying to get your pyjamas off in the morning. 

Beyond the main symptoms of pain and stiffness, PMR can cause a wide range of other symptoms as well. These include:

• Stiffness that's noticeably worse first thing in the morning or after sitting still for a while

• Difficulty raising your arms above your head

• Trouble standing up from a seated position

• Persistent fatigue and low energy

• Sleep disturbances 

• Mild fever and general flu-like symptoms

• Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss

• A low mood or feeling depressed

Feeling stiff in the morning is usually the main giveaway. Most people with PMR will find that this feeling can last anywhere between 45 minutes and several hours, making it difficult to get going with their normal daily activities.

What is the difference between polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis?

PMR and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are inflammatory conditions that often appear together, as they share the same risk factors, genetic variations and treatment options.

However, PMR mainly affects the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips, whereas GCA causes inflammation in the blood vessels of the head, particularly around the temples. 

For this reason, GCA is a much more serious condition that will typically require urgent treatment. Left untreated, GCA can lead to severe issues, such as permanent vision loss and an increased risk of stroke. 

What are the conventional treatments for polymyalgia rheumatica?

The most common treatment for PMR is a low-dose corticosteroid called prednisolone, which usually helps to reduce symptoms within a matter of days. 

The main challenge patients face with this treatment though is how long-term it is. Most people will be prescribed several tablets to take once a day, over the initial course of approximately two years. This, in turn, creates a reliance that can be difficult to break later on. 

Not everyone tolerates the side effects associated with long-term steroid use, either. 

Whether that’s weight gain, bone density loss, stomach ulcers or an increased risk of infection, one of the biggest issues is the impact it can have on your mental state.

According to the NHS, approximately 1 in 20 people experience changes in their mental state when taking prednisolone, which can result in an increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and even hallucinations. 

This is why many PMR patients consider additional or alternative treatment options to take alongside prednisolone, to help alleviate the side effects it can cause.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main treatment options available for PMR: 

 

 

For many patients, PMR symptoms can be managed effectively by taking prednisolone on its own. But for others, additional treatments may be needed as part of a wider treatment plan.

Discover which treatment options have worked for our previous chronic pain patients by checking out our patient stories.

Can medical cannabis help with polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms?

Having a prescription for medical cannabis may help some eligible PMR patients to manage certain symptoms of the condition, including chronic pain and sleep disturbances. 

However, since medical cannabis doesn't target the underlying inflammation associated with PMR, it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for prednisolone or any other form of PMR medication. 

What medical cannabis may help to do is ease some of the day-to-day symptoms that can appear even when PMR is being treated with other medications. This includes symptoms like: 

• persistent muscle pain 

• morning stiffness

• sleep-related issues

• general fatigue

How does medical cannabis work for PMR? 

Medical cannabis contains two main active compounds, known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. 

• THC is psychoactive and is associated with offering pain relief and improved sleep. It works by activating CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, but more on that in a minute.

• CBD is non-intoxicating and interacts more commonly with CB2 receptors found within the immune system. It’s also better known for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, alongside its ability to support mood, sleep and overall wellbeing. 

For PMR patients, striking the right balance between these two cannabinoids may help to alleviate certain symptoms. Have a look at our dedicated guide to learn more about how we can find your ideal dose.

How does the endocannabinoid system relate to polymyalgia rheumatica?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signalling network that helps us regulate various bodily processes, including inflammation and our stress and pain response. 

The system is made up of endocannabinoids, which are a form of neurotransmitter that bind to specific cannabinoid receptors. There are two main types of these receptors, handily referred to as CB1 and CB2.

 

• CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and central nervous system, where they can help influence things like pain perception, mood and appetite

• CB2 receptors sit largely within immune cells and peripheral tissues, where they play a role in regulating inflammation

Since PMR is an inflammatory condition that causes widespread muscle pain, both of these receptors may be relevant. 

As we touched on above, THC tends to interact more with CB1 receptors and may help to provide potent pain relief. 

Meanwhile, CBD typically interacts with CB2 receptors and has drawn recent clinical interest for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

It also appears to slow the breakdown of our body’s own endocannabinoids, allowing them to stay active for longer. This can then give our body more time to modulate the inflammatory response. 

Recent research also suggests that the endocannabinoid system changes with age, which may influence how older adults respond to cannabinoid therapies.

What does the research say about cannabis for polymyalgia rheumatica?

While specific research into medical cannabis and PMR remains very limited, there is a growing body of evidence on the use of cannabinoids with other rheumatic diseases.

 

Here’s a quick overview of what the key relevant studies have shown up to now:

 

 

The results from our UK medical cannabis 2025 patient survey are also worth mentioning, as 92.2% of our respondents reported that their prescription was effective at managing their chronic pain-related symptoms.

That said, you should always speak to a medical professional before considering medical cannabis as a potential treatment option for PMR.

Am I eligible for medical cannabis for polymyalgia rheumatica in the UK?

After the UK government changed the law in November 2018, polymyalgia rheumatica is now recognised as one of the many conditions that qualify for prescribed medical cannabis treatment. 

That said, eligibility is always assessed on an individual basis. To qualify for a medical cannabis prescription, you must meet strict eligibility criteria and receive your treatment through a CQC-regulated private clinic, such as Releaf.

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to meet our PMR eligibility criteria: 

 

How is medical cannabis prescribed for polymyalgia rheumatica by Releaf?

To see whether you qualify for a PMR medical cannabis prescription, use our medical cannabis eligibility checker. It's free, takes around 30 seconds to complete and may be your first step towards finding effective relief.

We also have a ton of useful content in our knowledge hub, including a full breakdown of our prescription process.

FAQs on medical cannabis for polymyalgia rheumatica 

Still got questions about medical cannabis and PMR? We’ve got you covered.

Is medical cannabis suitable for older adults with polymyalgia rheumatica?

Yes, medical cannabis can be prescribed to eligible older adults with PMR. However, the key word here is ‘eligible’.

Your suitability will be assessed on an individual basis, where one of our consultants will consider your age and existing medical history before deciding whether it’s appropriate.

Can medical cannabis help with PMR-related fatigue?

Some patients report experiencing improvements in fatigue when taking prescribed medical cannabis for PMR-related symptoms. 

That said, individual responses can vary, so your specialist will tailor your treatment to help alleviate the symptoms affecting you most.

What types of medical cannabis might be prescribed for PMR?

Finding the best type of medical cannabis for PMR will depend on factors like your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals, as well as your preferred method of administration.

The main formats of prescribed medical cannabis we can provide to eligible patients include oils, capsules, pastilles, medical cannabis strains and THC vapes. 

Do medical cannabis treatments interact with conventional PMR medications?

In the same way as any other prescribed medication, medical cannabis can interact with certain other medicines. That’s why it’s so important to share a medical history that’s as full and detailed as possible with your consultant.

How is medical cannabis monitored alongside existing PMR treatment?

If you are deemed eligible to receive a medical cannabis prescription, your consultant will typically start you on a low dose and review your progress regularly at each of your follow-up appointments. 

Depending on how your symptoms respond, your dose may be adjusted to ensure your treatment works effectively alongside your other PMR medications. 

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