Pain in the Rheumatic Diseases

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Pain in the Rheumatic Diseases

Muscular and skeletal pain is a major complaint of people seeking medical

attention. These symptoms are also the most frequent complaints that lead

patients to a rheumatologist. The diagnosis and treatment of these problems

are often difficult due to the many conditions that could cause this type of

pain.

Pain is a completely subjective experience, meaning that all patients

experience a different degree of pain and recognize pain at a different

level. There is nothing that defines " normal " pain related behavior. Many

disorders may cause few symptoms in some patients, while it may cause

significant symptoms in other patients. Also, patients may vary in their

response to treatment. Although many people with muscular and skeletal

problems improve after physical management and management with medications,

others still may report high levels of pain after undergoing the same

therapy as those who report no pain.

Patients with these types of problems may exhibit pain that can be intense,

persistent, and possibly disabling. Because of the many conditions that can

cause this type of pain, management must begin with a thorough assessment

that will identify the likely causes of the pain. By following a complete

plan of care including medication, possible physical therapy, and proper

patient education, the goals of treatment can possibly be achieved.

In the elderly and in those patients with chronic inflammatory disease, it

is recommended that frequent follow-up and evaluation be done in order to

monitor progression and to detect problems that may lead to pain