Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy tissues of the body as foreign and attacks them.
Pain caused by autoimmune diseases; when the immune system attacks the body
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy tissues of the body as foreign and attacks them. The result of this inappropriate response is chronic inflammation, tissue destruction, and persistent physical pain—pain that is often multidimensional, deep, and resistant to simple treatments.
The main mechanisms of pain in autoimmune diseases include:
Chronic inflammation of tissues and joints
Involvement of peripheral and central nerves
Damage to muscles, ligaments, and fascia
Disruption of the body’s natural healing process
Increased sensitivity of the nervous system to pain
These factors cause the patient to experience severe pain even with mild stimulation.
The most common pains associated with autoimmune diseases
Joint pain
Pain, swelling, and morning stiffness
Common in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, spondylitis
Limited mobility and reduced quality of life
Muscle pain
Diffuse or deep muscle pain
Feeling of extreme fatigue and weakness
Common in fibromyalgia and myositis
Nerve pain
Burning, tingling, shooting
Peripheral nerve involvement
Common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus
Spinal pain
Neck, back and waist pain
Chronic stiffness and inflammatory pain
Pain that is worse at rest and improves with movement
Common autoimmune diseases associated with pain
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Fibromyalgia
Ankylosing spondylitis
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Psoriasis arthritides
Vasculitides
Why is autoimmune pain difficult to diagnose?
Many patients, despite severe pain:
MRI and initial tests are normal
Their symptoms are variable and unpredictable
Their pain is exacerbated by stress and fatigue
For this reason, these patients sometimes remain without an accurate diagnosis for years.
The role of stress and psychological distress in exacerbating autoimmune pain
Chronic stress can:
Stimulate the immune system
Increase inflammation
Increase pain intensity and frequency of disease recurrence
For this reason, treating autoimmune pain is not just about medication and requires a comprehensive approach.
Pain management approach in the treatment of autoimmune pain
On the Pain Medicine website, the emphasis is on multidimensional and person-centered treatment, including:
Control inflammation
Reduce nerve sensitivity
Improve muscle and fascia function
Manage stress and psychosomatic pain
Use of non-invasive complementary methods (such as laser therapy in selected cases)
The goal is not only to reduce pain, but also to restore the patient’s quality of life.
Conclusion
Pain caused by autoimmune diseases is complex, chronic, and goes beyond a simple physical problem. A proper diagnosis, a holistic view of the body and mind, and choosing the right treatment can change the course of a patient’s life.
پروفسور دکتر سیروس مومنزاده، متخصص برجسته درد و بنیانگذار کلینیک تخصصی درد تسکین، از پیشگامان درمانهای نوین و کمتهاجمی دیسک کمر و گردن با لیزر در ایران هستند.
