Does lupus cause nerve pain with burning sensations throughout your body?
Yes, lupus can definitely cause nerve pain and burning sensations throughout your body. This happens through a condition called peripheral neuropathy, where lupus damages the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord.
Lupus often damages the myelin Show Full Answer
Does lupus cause nerve pain with burning sensations throughout your body?
Yes, lupus can definitely cause nerve pain and burning sensations throughout your body. This happens through a condition called peripheral neuropathy, where lupus damages the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord.
Lupus often damages the myelin protein that coats your nerves, causing inflammation of the tissue around them. This damage can make your nerves send random signals, including burning sensations, even when there's no external reason for it.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Tingling or pins-and-needles feelings
- Numbness
- Pain that feels like stabbing or burning
Many people with lupus describe exactly what you're experiencing. One MyLupusTeam member shared that random spots on their body feel like they're burning - upper arms, stomach, thighs, or ribs. Another described it as feeling like a chemical burn that really hurts but doesn't look different on the skin.
About 25% of people with lupus also develop fibromyalgia, which causes widespread burning pain throughout the body and can worsen fatigue and sleep problems - which might explain why your symptoms are worse at night.
What you should do:
Talk to your rheumatologist about these burning sensations. They can determine if you're experiencing peripheral neuropathy or fibromyalgia and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. These nervous system symptoms are often treatable with proper medical care.
January 31
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