Immune-Related Pain
Autoimmune.
Autoimmune disease — definition, symptoms, types, tests, and its connection to pain — and why it must be distinguished from ordinary musculoskeletal pain.
What Is Autoimmune Disease?
It is a condition in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, attacks the body's own healthy tissues and organs.
It occurs when the immune system, which should be attacking outside threats such as viruses, bacteria, and certain drugs, malfunctions instead — a condition properly called "autoimmune disease," and much like an 'internal rebellion' in which allies are mistaken for enemies and attacked.
Common Symptoms
Autoimmune disease has highly varied early signs that appear throughout the body.
Early Signs
Unexplained fatigue, joint pain, joint swelling, and morning stiffness
Muscle & Nerve
Gradual loss of muscle strength, swelling in the hands or feet, and tingling or numbness
Skin & Mucous Membranes
Dry mouth or eyes, red or irritated skin rashes, and significant hair loss
Systemic Symptoms
Ongoing fever, unexplained weight loss, and changes in urine color or appearance, such as foaminess
Types of Autoimmune Disease
Tests to Diagnose Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune conditions are often caused by autoantibodies, so confirming their presence is an essential step.
The Link Between Autoimmune Disease and Pain
One of the biggest features is that the symptoms include patterns typical of musculoskeletal disorders, such as pain and numbness.
If you've had repeated physical therapy for what seemed like ordinary muscle pain or arthritis but it hasn't helped, there's a good chance the underlying cause is an immune system problem, not simple pain, and in that case it's worth checking for an autoimmune condition.