Pain – the main manifestation of many rheumatic diseases, but also the most underappreciated, leads to worse disease outcomes and affects the quality of life of patients.

Over the last decade or so, animal models and modern technology have highlighted the complex mechanisms that underlie chronic pain in rheumatology.

To get further insight on the various aspects of chronic pain, we speak with Don L. Goldenberg, MD, about its pathophysiology and diagnostic classification criteria for chronic pain conditions. Deeba Minhas, MD, provides a perspective on addressing implicit biases among patients with rheumatic disease and pain.