Autoimmune diseases can cause chronic pain by triggering inflammation, attacking healthy tissues, and affecting the nervous system. Identifying an autoimmune cause is essential for effective treatment and long-term management. In some cases, a referral to a rheumatologist may be necessary to rule out underlying autoimmune conditions.

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and psoriatic arthritis cause joint inflammation and damage, leading to persistent pain and stiffness. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, these autoimmune conditions involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the joints. A rheumatologist can perform specialized blood tests and imaging to confirm or rule out these conditions, allowing for early treatment with disease-modifying medications to slow progression and reduce pain.

Other autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome, affect the nervous system, leading to nerve pain, weakness, and numbness. Inflammation damages nerve pathways, causing burning, tingling, or shooting pain. For these conditions, treatment often includes immunosuppressive therapy, physical therapy, and nerve pain medications.

Fibromyalgia, while not a classic autoimmune disease, is often linked to immune system dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Research suggests that immune system overactivity may contribute to widespread pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. Because symptoms can overlap with autoimmune conditions, a rheumatologist can help determine whether an underlying autoimmune disorder is contributing to pain.

Managing autoimmune-related pain requires a combination of treatments. Anti-inflammatory medications, biologic therapies, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can all help reduce symptoms. In cases of severe nerve pain, neuromodulation treatments like spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) may provide relief.

If chronic pain persists along with symptoms like fatigue, joint swelling, skin rashes, or unexplained inflammation, a rheumatology referral may be necessary. A specialist can perform further testing to confirm or rule out autoimmune causes, helping to develop the most effective treatment plan for long-term pain relief.