Regional Disorders of the Neck, Shoulder, Arm, and Hand
REGIONAL DISORDERS OF THE NECK A 45-year-old healthy woman presented with neck pain with gradual onset over 3 to 4 weeks. Pain was described as worse in the lower neck…
Management of the Connective Tissue Diseases of Childhood
Rheumatic diseases in childhood, although biologically similar to those in adults, represent a unique class of disorders that often possess distinctive differences in clinical manifestations, therapeutic goals, and overall prognostic…
Economic Considerations in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases
INTRODUCTION This chapter will address • the reasons for economic analysis in health care, including health technology assessment (HTA) and reimbursement of treatments • the methods of economic analysis, including…
Management of Lyme Disease
INTRODUCTION Lyme disease, first recognized in 1976 because of an epidemic of oligoarthritis in children in Lyme, CT, is now the most common vector borne illness in both North America…
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…
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…
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…
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….
