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The common chronic pain syndromes of fibromyalgia, regional pain syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome have been made to appear separate because they have been historically described by different groups and with different criteria, but they are really phenotypically accented expressions of the same processes triggered by emotional distress and filtered or modified by genetics, psychology, and local physical factors., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed.No competing interests were disclosed.No competing interests were disclosed.

Most autoimmune diseases are associated with pathological pain development. Autoimmune diseases with pathological pain include complex regional pain syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and Guillian-Barré syndrome to name a few. The present Review explores research linking the immune system to the development of pathological pain in autoimmune diseases. Pathological pain has been linked to T-cell activation and the release of cytokines from activated microglia in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. New research on the role of autoantibodies in autoimmunity has generated insights into potential mechanisms of pain associated with autoimmune disease. Autoantibodies may act through various mechanisms in autoimmune disorders. These include the alteration of neuronal excitability via specific antigens such as the voltage-gated potassium channel complexes or by mediating bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Although more research must be done to understand better the role of autoantibodies in autoimmune disease related pain, this may be a promising area of research for new analgesic therapeutic targets. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a term that describes a variety of chronic pain conditions that are believed to result from dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems. Typical features include dramatic changes in the colour and temperature of the skin over the affected limb or body part, accompanied by an intense pain which is out of proportion to the injury thought responsible. Skin sensitivity, sweating, and swelling are also commonly involved. This case study presents subjective reports of changes in pain and extremity weight bearing capacity in an 8 year-old child with Chronic Region Pain Syndrome Type I. The changes reported occurred over a 12 week conservative course of treatment which included manipulation, nutritional supplementation and rehabilitation. The patient was able to regain full control of her legs and full weight bearing after 3 weeks of treatment.