Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. In fact, the average time between the onset of symptoms and receiving a diagnosis is nearly seven years.

Sjögren’s syndrome most commonly affects people over the age of 40, 90% of whom are women. Its main symptoms are dryness of the mouth and eyes. Other symptoms include joint pain, swollen salivary glands, dry skin, vaginal dryness, persistent dry cough, and prolonged fatigue.

These symptoms overlap with those associated with a number of other medical conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, individuals who suffer from Sjögren’s syndrome often are diagnosed with another immune-system disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. As a result, patients with Sjögren syndrome often suffer for years before being properly diagnosed.

Unfortunately, if left untreated, Sjögren’s can undermine the proper functioning of your lungs, liver, kidneys, and nerves.

How We Can Help

At the Kaplan Center, our physicians have years of experience working with patients with chronic pain conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome. We work as a highly coordinated, tightly integrated healthcare team. This approach allows for the full range of our team’s medical expertise to be accessed in diagnosing and discussing treatment options for most cases we see. The results are seen in more accurate diagnoses, individualized, comprehensive treatment plans, and continual monitoring to evaluate your progress.

At your first visit, your Kaplan physician will take time exploring the onset of your condition, the specific nature of your symptoms and the overall status of your health. You’ll also be asked about the medications and therapies you’ve tried in the past, and what has and hasn’t worked for you. To gather additional information about your condition, specialized diagnostic laboratory testing may be necessary.

After reviewing all of the factors contributing to your condition, your physician will spend time talking with you about your diagnosis and working with you to create a customized and multi-dimensional treatment plan that addresses not only your immediate pain but also any possible underlying or co-existing conditions that may be causing or aggravating your symptoms.

Currently, there is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome. However, The Kaplan Center offers several effective treatments that can alleviate its symptoms so you can maintain a good quality of life.

Treatments include:

• Acupuncture
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
• Nutritional Counseling
• Stress Reduction / Meditation Training
• Nutritional Supplements & Herbal Remedies

Additional Resources:

Website: Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation
Article: What Venus William’s Sjögren’s Syndrome Diagnosis Means for Her Health