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What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a genetic syndrome and connective tissue disorder that can affect bones, skin, joints and blood vessel walls.

Most people with the disorder have overly flexible joints and fragile skin.

Dr. Ashton said that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome \"could be as rare as one in 5,000 to one in 20,000.\"

How to manage several medical issues

To manage a diagnosis appropriately, Dr. Ashton said it can be helpful to look for areas that overlap, like a Venn diagram.

In this way, Ashton said, you approach the medical issues holistically and treat the whole person rather than a body part or a diagnosis.

She added that sometimes it can be difficult to make a diagnosis when a person already has multiple conditions.

Are there other aspects of the conditions to consider?

The emotional and psychological aspects of any condition are as important as the physical ones.

How to manage chronic pain

While there are more options than ever, Ashton said its about finding what works best for the individual and finding something with low risk and high benefits.

Some choices in managing chronic pain are cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, medication and hypnosis.

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