For patients living with a chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, learning to manage and cope with the myriad adverse symptoms that accompany these diseases is key to improving quality of life and helping reduce the cost burden of these illnesses on the healthcare system. One important way rheumatologists can help is by…
A report from the Institute of Medicine that gives new diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and recommends a new name for the disorder received mixed reviews from rheumatologists and other physicians.1 “Diagnosing ME/CFS often is a challenge … the new diagnostic criteria will make it easier for clinicians to recognize and accurately…
COAMI work group advocates to make early detection, intervention and comprehensive care models integral to medical care
Functional MRI scans that show how pain changes the brain could help rheumatologists develop better approaches to pain relief
Inside the pathophysiology, clinical presentations of chronic pruritus
New research shows that patients with fibromyalgia have hypersensitivity to non-painful events based on images of the patients’ brains, which show reduced activation in primary sensory regions and increased activation in sensory integration areas.
Observational pain scales, diagnostic tools, pharmacologic interventions, and support from psychologists, caregivers recommended
A multidisciplinary approach that incorporates an exercise program, physical therapy, and ways to maintain good posture and a healthy weight can help patients find relief
Narcotic and non-narcotic pain regimens can be used
With no single therapy effective for chronic low back pain, physicians must try multiple therapeutic approaches, nonsurgical options