Unmet Needs in Spondyloarthritis: Understanding and Managing Chronic Pain.

Abstract

Among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), persistent pain remains a critical unmet need. In this review, we discuss the prevalence of chronic pain and fibromyalgia in patients with axSpA and examine the existing knowledge on the pathophysiology of chronic pain in SpA, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, we discuss the specific unmet needs that must be addressed to improve long-term outcomes in axSpA, specifically those that will improve chronic pain in this patient population.