Questions about Sjogren's Syndrome and Chronic Neck Pain

1) I had had symptoms for years but they were never recognized as Sjogrens. Finally, my parotid glands swelled up and that was my huge red flag that started serious testing. Ultimately was diagnosed via history of symptoms and bloodwork. 2) I do not have any other autoimmune diseases, just primary Sjogrens 3) have had chronic neck and back pain for many years since my diagnosis. Have been to chiropractor and PT. Best advice is to keep moving and stretching throughout the day, especially if you work on a computer! Get yourself a tens unit, some bio freeze, and a heated neck wrap!

1- blood work and lip biopsy. Tests were done due to exaggerated fatigue and joint pain that moved around. 2- I currently do not have another autoimmune diagnosis but there are two others in my family’s history. 3- I do have chronic neck pain but it’s due to a congenital defect.

1) blood work 2) yes Sjögren’s is my only one officially 3) mine just started a few months ago 😭

1) monitoring blood work over time. My first tests came back ANA positive, and sedimentation rates gradually worsened. 2) no. I have sjogren’s and they still won’t say after 4 years if my other symptoms (joint pain, GI issues, hair loss, etc) are SLE or MCTD. I have all the lupus symptoms except the butterfly rash, but it often takes years for a diagnosis. 3) my worst joint pain is hips, wrists and elbows. No upper neck, but I’m sure it’s on its way!

1- bloodwork and symptoms my bloodwork came back negative but doc diagnosed me anyway based on symptoms not everyone’s bloodwork is positive it can rule sjogrens in if you test positive but bloodwork alone can’t rule it out. Some docs also want to do lip biopsy but mine decided it wasn’t necessary to do 2-yes sjogrens is my only autoimmune I do have a lot of other health conditions though including fibromyalgia and a dozen or so others 3- yes working with chiropractic acupuncture massage and physical therapy on this I’ve had it for decades even before I got sick

Also, I made a discord channel for those specifically with autoimmune conditions to help each other out. you can join here: https://discord.gg/3hZt9vCwR5

1) blood work and symptoms, 2) no, 3) yes, working with chiropractor and dietitian to address it