Management of Mechanical Lumbar Spine Disease
Mechanical disorders of the lumbar spine are the most common causes of low back pain. These disorders are related to overuse of a normal anatomic structure or secondary to deformity…
Physical Activity and Exercise in Rheumatic Disease
CASE STUDY 1 Presentation A 54-year-old woman who has had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for almost 2 years presents at a regular medical check-up with her rheumatologist. She is married and…
Mechanisms and Treatment Strategy of Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
INTRODUCTION Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) are painful disorders typically affecting the limbs that may develop as a consequence of trauma. That the sympathetic nervous system is causally involved in…
The Significance of Behavioral Interventions for Arthritis
The last two decades have witnessed an expansion in research on the development and application of behavioral interventions for chronic illness. This research has resulted from an appreciation of the…
Introduction of a Biologic Agent into the Clinic
Over the last decade, biologic agents have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Although many promising interventions failed, these new therapies have taught us much, not…
Management of Sjögren’s Syndrome
INTRODUCTION Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of exocrine glands. It particularly affects the lacrimal and salivary glands. Dry mouth and dry eyes are frequently the presenting symptoms….
Management of Fibromyalgia and Unexplained Generalized Pain Syndromes
CASE STUDY 1 A 34-year-old woman is referred by her primary physician for musculoskeletal pain and stiffness involving joints and muscles which has been present for approximately 1 year, but…
Management of the Patient with Rheumatic Disease During and After Pregnancy
INTRODUCTION Rheumatic diseases disproportionately affect women and, in some patients, may be serious enough to preclude consideration of pregnancy; however, with advances in rheumatology therapies and sophisticated reproductive technologies, increasing…
Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis
POLYMYALGIA RHEUMATICA A 72-year-old white woman requests urgent evaluation for increasing achiness of 6 weeks’ duration. Symptoms began shortly after a 3 day family reunion, during which time she “cooked…
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis has been defined as a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fracture. Bone strength is determined by many factors, including bone…
