Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily causes dry eyes and a parched, dry mouth and throat. Dryness can affect other parts of the body as well, including the skin and the mucus lining of the nose. Fatigue often occurs and can be debilitating. Additionally, some people with Sjogren's syndrome develop musculoskeletal symptoms.
Autoimmune Disorder Characteristics
Like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, Sjogren's syndrome is considered an autoimmune connective tissue disease which affects the joints, muscles and skin. Sjogren's sometimes develops after an individual already has a different autoimmune disorder, and is suspected when the primary symptom, dryness, occurs.
Inflammatory Joint Pain
Inflammatory joint pain similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis occurs in many Sjogren's syndrome patients. It tends to relapse and reoccur, and usually affects both sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern. The arthritis symptoms may occur years before the dryness, making Sjogren's difficult to diagnose, particularly since it sometimes appears in conjunction with rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthralgia
Some people with Sjogren's syndrome experience noninflammatory joint pain, or arthralgia. This pain may be an aching sensation, and it occurs without the swelling and redness associated with inflammatory disorders.
Myositis
Sjogren's syndrome patients also commonly experience myositis, or muscle tissue inflammation. This inflammation causes weakness, pain, or both. Weakness often affects the hips, and can make it difficult for the person to get up from a sitting position. The patient may be stiff at times and have limited mobility. Sometimes myositis can lead to difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Myalgia
Another musculoskeletal symptom associated with Sjogren's syndrome is myalgia, or noninflammatory muscle pain or aching. Again, this can lead to difficulty in diagnosis, as the symptoms are similar to fibromyalgia, characterized by chronic muscle aching throughout the body.
Treatment
Because Sjogren's syndrome does not have a cure, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. For musculoskeletal pain, doctors usually recommend aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Patients also can use acetaminophen (Tylenol). More severe inflammatory symptoms might be treated with corticosteroids. Additionally, doctors may prescribe immune system modifying medications such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
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