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Inflammatory Pain Information

Inflammatory pain is the result when your immune system releases white-blood cells and chemicals to fight foreign matter such as viruses and bacteria. Inflammation brings with it heat, redness, swelling and pain. It may also include fatigue, fever and chills, loss of appetite and muscle aches. Sometimes inflammation can result from autoimmune conditions, in which your immune system damages healthy tissues. Inflammation can result in pain in any part of your body.

  1. Arthritis

    • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that results in swollen and painful joints. The chronic inflammation of your joints can damage the cartilage of your joints. Shoulder tendinitis or bursitis can be caused by an arthritic inflammation of the tendons or bursa (cushioning between your moving bones). Gouty arthritis is inflammation caused by an excess of uric acid and most commonly affects the joint of your big toe. Polymyalgia rheumatica mainly affects your upper arms, shoulders, neck, hips and thighs, resulting in muscle aches and stiffness.

    Heart Disease and Stroke

    • Inflammation can result in atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty deposits in the lining of your arteries. According to the American Heart Association, c-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein in your blood that increases when you have systemic inflammation. High levels of CRP may predict the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

    Digestive System

    • Chronic inflammation often can affect your digestive system. Signs of inflammation in this area can include frequent diarrhea or constipation, bloating, gas and pain, heartburn and acid reflux. Certain foods can cause inflammation, such as safflower, corn, sunflower, peanut and soy oils, and refined sugars. People who eat high-carbohydrate, low-protein diets more often experience intestinal inflammation.

    Environment

    • Chemicals can trigger your immune system and result in inflammation. For example, common chemicals you may be exposed to every day include latex, glues, synthetic fibers, plastics, adhesives, cleaning products and air fresheners. In addition, pesticides, heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) and pollution can contribute. A common result of exposure to these chemicals is a painful headache.

    Psychological Stress

    • Psychological stress results in the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, and cortisol has an effect on your immune system. Examples include an asthma attack that results from an emotional shock, a skin rash that is caused by stress (hives) and painful intestinal problems that occur when you are nervous or stressed.

    Menopause

    • Menopause can result in inflammation due to changing hormone levels. Menopause and these changing hormones can contribute to an increase in weight, which also can initiate inflammation. Excess fat cells create cytokines (proteins that regulate inflammation) and CRP.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for inflammatory joint or muscle pain usually includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen. In some cases corticosteroids, such as prednisone may be prescribed. Other medications that suppress your immune system include sulfasalazine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, leflunomide, anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) medications and mycophenolate.

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