The challenges of chronic pain and fatigue

Clin Med (Lond). 2021 Jan;21(1):19-27. doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-1009.

Abstract

In this review, we explore the challenges of chronic pain and fatigue in clinical practice. Both pain and fatigue are common, troubling and frequently overlapping symptoms, and we describe both the clinical burden and the 'clinical problem'. We explore commonly associated symptoms and possible pathological associations, including variant connective tissue (joint hypermobility), small fibre neuropathy, mast cell activation, dysregulated inflammatory and interoceptive processes, which may inform treatment targets. We suggest a multidisciplinary management approach.

Keywords: fatigue; fibromyalgia; hypermobility,; pain; rheumatology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability*