Pain Processing in Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Chronic Pain Syndromes

Pain Processing in Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Chronic Pain Syndromes

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder that afflicts up to 4% of the general population. The evaluation of pain mechanisms in FM has shown predominant central abnormalities and therefore has been designated as nociplastic pain syndrome. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by polyarthritis and pain from inflamed tissues, consistent with nociceptive pain. FM and RA patients may utilize overlapping pain mechanisms resulting in nociceptive and nociplastic pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-70
• Fulfills the 1990 and 2011 American College of Rheumatology Criteria for FM
• Fulfills the 2010 ACR-EULAR classification criteria for RA
• Healthy volunteers: No significant pain/fatigue/depression/anxiety.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Advanced liver, kidney or cardiovascular disease
• Neuropathic pain