New bad bones. | Arthritis Information

Several others I know have problems with their spine. It is one of the worse places to get it. Your upper cervical spine must be investigated if you are having problems there. Treatment includes: cortisone shots, neck stabilizers (serious cases only), surgery (extreme cases).

But overall, I think that they still don't have your RA under control.

I feel like I get inflammation in my spine. I can take all my pain meds and it doesn't touch the pain. If I take 1-2 extra mgs of prednisone, it calms down. This is something I'm going to be discussing with my new doctor.

Problems with your spine can go down into your shoulders and arms if the upper spine is involved. If the lumbar spine is involved, you might feel pain into your legs.

Even if the RA is not attacking your spine, all the limping trying to get feet,ankles,knees and hips limbered up or in response to pain is likely to cause back pain isn't it?

All that pain and stiffness encourages us to be sedentary - which allows our muscle systems to weaken for lack of exercize - which just about guarantees back trouble.

Lots of vicious circles in RA and Catch 22's. I'm feeling discouraged today. Sick of it ALL! Hi Crunchy,

I have terrible lower back pain, but my RD said it's the OA, not the RA.  I have degenerative discs...for years and getting worse.  The only thing that helps, somewhat, is the lidoderm patch.  When it's real bad I put on 2 patches...  can't go over 3 at one time.  But that helps, along with extra strength excedrin.  The morning seems to be worse, along with the swelling of my hands and feet, the back is very sore.  A good hot shower helps.  Also, ice packs help during the day.
Good luck.

Hi Crunchy,

I started out with OA in my back long before I was diagnosed with RA.Now I have lost a great deal of mobility in my back and the disk problems affect my hips and legs. I think the RA does affect the back When I'm having a flare, the back is definitely worse.

Hi Crunchy,

I have PA rather than RA and it started in my spine first - it affected my sacro-iliac joint initially and has moved on from there. They thought it might be Ankylosing Spondylitis before settling on PA. My point is (I think) that if PA as an autoimmune disease can attack the lower spine maybe RA can? Not sure but I can sympathise that back pain is awful and I hope you're coping!

KT

Sorry you are having so much trouble and pain.  You are in my prayers.

By the way my son graduated from CE King in 1988....When were you and hubby there?  Told my son I would ask. 

Hope you are feeling better.  Roxanne

Yeah, my back has been much achier than ever before. I've mostly had issues with all the joints in my arms and legs, including hands and feet, of course. Also plenty of trouble with my neck and jaw, and occasionally my hips. Very rarely any pain in my spine or upper/lower back until recently. About six years ago, I started noticing pain in my ribs, too.

I kind of chalk it up to age (going into my forties very soon), as well as my weight. I imagine that if I lose about 30 or forty pounds it would help my back, not to mention the rest of me.

My earlobes and eyelashes are still arthritis-free, so far. But I think that's about it. I'd include my hair, but I could swear that my hair has hurt during one or two flare-ups...

Hillhoney - don't get sad, get crazy like me. This is my thought "If I'm like this now, then at 60 I'll be a crazy old bat in a hover-round plowing through people at wal-mart and demanding that Wilford Brimley PERSONALLY bring my my diabeates medication..."

HAS ANYONE EVER HAD THESE??????