MARCH 2024
BACKGROUND
Beginning approximately five years ago the author came to the realization that persons with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hereafter hEDS) were the majority of patients who sought intractable pain (IP) care. They all had been started on a number of pain relief drugs including opioids, neuropathic agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and muscle relaxants. Despite having seen many doctors and taking multiple drugs, they were usually in great, constant pain, and desperate to find some relief. When asked about their anatomic location of pain, the usual answer was “all over.” Further questioning usually identified the locations as back, neck, or chest wall. As to what caused the pain or when it started patients often stated, “It just sort of happened.” One thing was clear, I was encountering a group of suffering individuals who were a mystery.