Using the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway to Treat Systemic Lupus Musculoskeletal Pain

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory disease and musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common symptoms. This study will investigate whether transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve will decrease lupus musculoskeletal pain. This study will additionally investigate the biologic effects of vagus nerve stimulation on inflammation. It will be the first clinical study using one of the body\'s own pathways of modulating the immune system and inflammatory response, the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, in SLE.