RA in the spine | Arthritis Information

I've been having a lot of back problems the past few weeks. I've read that RA doesn't usually affect the lower back, so I'm not sure what's going on.

I see a new rheumatologist this week and kinda do want some tests done, but kinda don't want an MRI. Has anyone had x-rays or MRI that confirmed RA in the spine?

I have had many x-rays & MRI's of my spine. None confirmed RA, but that was not what they were looking for.

However, if they say you need MRI or other tests, I would suggest following advice. Many other problems have been diagnosed with my spine. It's best to know what you are dealing with. Even if it's not RA, they might be able to help whatever it is.

Best of Luck.

Hugs,

Nini

RA doesn't usually affect the back but if you knees or hips are affected
your back may also bother you. You might be carrying yourself
differently. Or...you could be one of the few that does have the back
involved--hmmm, lucky you. I hope your RD can help you out.

BeckyI do have RA and I know I have arthritis in my lower back, which was diagnosed through x rays. Maybe it is a different form of arthritis, but since I have RA in other places, I am not sure. What kind of back problems are you experiencing? In my first experience with it, it manifested itself in a bout of sciatica.

Nancy

I have scoliosis of the spine, which I thought was what was making my back hurt, but when I am on my Humira I do not have the pain, so I am thinking it is RA. I am waiting on getting to go see my new PCP and then hopefully to a new RD and they will tell me if I have RA in my back.

I do think it is weird that I have back pain when I am not taking my humira because of infections, but no back pain when I am taking my Humira.

I've had back problems for years. My RD eventually sent me to a orthopedic spine specialist and he dx'ed RA in my spine. I told him "I didn't think you could have RA in your spine" he told me I was living proof that you could. He also did an MRi to reconfirm his dx'ed. They also dx'ed DDD, buldging disk and something called spina bifida occulta (Which is a birth defect that likely is not causing pain)

Like Joonie; I can also tell in my back when I'm due for my meds or have had to skip my meds. The RA meds do a lot to control the pain.....although I'm rarely pain free.

The specialist told me that RA generally attachs the smaller joints in the hands and feet first and it usually takes years to affect your back and hips; but it certainly can.

Even now though there are lots of people that disagree and still say it's not possible......I have believe it's true in my case though. Some how it makes dealing with the pain easier for me when I can explain it away as past of my RA.

OH~to answer your exact question Scout; I had tons of x-rays done at the RD's office and that's what prompted him to send me to the orthopedic specialist. I then had an MRI which shower more than an x-ray will.