• Inflammation affecting the muscles throughout the body most commonly the shoulders, hips and neck
• Symptoms may include general muscle aches and pain, muscle and joint stiffness and tiredness
• Cause unknown but may be due to an abnormal immune response, heredity or environmental exposures
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in females
• Can occur at any age but more common in middle age to elderly adults
• May be mild to severe
• Not life threatening but discomfort can result in reduced quality of life

• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy diet

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen