Epidemiology of chronic musculoskeletal pain
Chronic widespread pain (CWP) due to musculoskeletal conditions is a major social burden. The case definition of CWP relies on pain, chronicity (more than 3 months’ duration) and widespread distribution…
Chronic widespread pain in the spectrum of rheumatological diseases
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic disease characterised by musculoskeletal pain, chronic diffuse tension and/or stiffness in joints and muscles, fatigue, sleep and emotional disturbances and pressure pain sensitivity in at…
Peripheral pain mechanisms in chronic widespread pain
Clinical symptoms of chronic widespread pain (CWP) conditions like fibromyalgia (FM), include pain, stiffness, subjective weakness, and muscle fatigue. Muscle pain in CWP is usually described as fluctuating and often…
Central pain mechanisms in chronic pain states – Maybe it is all in their head
Mechanisms underlying chronic pain differ from those underlying acute pain. In chronic pain states, central nervous system (CNS) factors appear to play particularly prominent roles. In the absence of anatomical…
Chronic widespread pain: From peripheral to central evolution
Chronic pain can be classified as localised, regional or widespread, and its high prevalence in the general population seems to increase with age. The majority of cases present with musculoskeletal…
Chronic widespread pain or fibromyalgia? That is the question
One of the tautological matters that bothers us when we participate with algologists in meetings concerning chronic pain is the idea that it is a syndrome per se and does…
The SAPHO syndrome – Are microbes involved?
The syndrome of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) includes a rare group of chronic, relapsing, inflammatory osteoarticular disorders that is conventionally associated with manifestations in the skin. Diagnostic…
Septic arthritis
This article presents a review of the current approach to diagnostic and therapeutic conditions of septic arthritis. Acute septic arthritis is an uncommon, but potentially fatal, emergency. Early diagnosis as…
Behçet’s syndrome and micro-organisms
Behçet’s syndrome (BS) is a multi-systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. More than one mechanism seems to be operative in the pathogenesis of Behçet’s syndrome, including genetic and environmental factors, causing…
Tuberculosis and other infections in the anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) era
We review the global experience of infections in patients treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors, which shows that the overall incidence of severe infections is at least doubled. In…
