RA and back pain

Jules is Worried and Undecided Living With It Fibromyalgia and RA since 2005 I have Fibro and RA since 2005. I have not worked since Nov 2006 I... Send Message Subscribe: Jules

Tuesday, August 05, 2008
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From what I've read and heard, RA mostly affects the "small joints". SO, I am wondering if the TERRIBLE lower back and hip pain I have is RA related. I have never injured my back, and have had an office type job my whole adult life. I had an MRI of my spine 2 years ago when they tho...

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RA & Low Back Pain
Chuck
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 at 01:36 PM

Hi Jules

Sounds like you are having a tough time with your low back. From all that I have read RA does not seem to get into the low back. OA, bone spurs, degenerative joint disease and a bunch of other demons can reek havoc with the low back. You may be right that changing your walking pattern may be aggravating one of the underlying demons. It could also be associated with a hip joint problem which can be associated with RA. If you have not had a good work up by a Rheumatologist or Orthopedic surgeon, it may be a good idea.

As far as using a chiropractor, they can be good for many things but you have already been that route. See if your physician can recommend a good Physical Therapist, this may work better for you. Disclaimer: I am a Physical Therapist that is now living with RA, and have treated many arthritic backs over the past thirty years. If you are not seeing significant improvement in 3-4 weeks after starting PT it may not be for you. You should not have to run up a $5,000 bill.

Hope it helps

Chuck

re: RA & Low Back Pain
Jules
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 at 09:05 PM

Thanks Chuck, I appreciate your help.

RA and back issues
ann
Sunday, September 07, 2008 at 12:20 AM

When I started reading your story it sounded alot like what I went through 20 yrs ago. I will be 46 this month and I have severe RA, 1st back surgery 21 yrs ago then 8yrs later neck surgery then about 5yrs later major back surgery that took 17 hours to complete. The reason I mention all of this is because I also had all the problem you talk about...I too saw a ciropractor....long story and I don't want to offend anyone. You are correct about your back going out of wack because your feet and or knees hurt. When you are not properly standing you are putting alot of strain on your back....also if you are not at your ideal weight that only will emphasize the problem. I still struggle with RA. I take 8 methotrexlate a week, 2 plaqunil a day and an injection of Humiria once a week verse once everyother week, folic acid, Vit D, G&C. The one thing you shoud know is that there is alot of info out there for you. I wish I had the internet back then....however I did get by.
There is a DVD that I just love that is very low impact. It is called Walk away the pounds by Leslie Sansone. Not sure of the spelling of her last name...anyways I think it is wonderful...It is so easy and gives you tons of energy and truly makes you strong in every sense of the word. When you are strong in body and mind its amazing what we are capable of doing. Best of luck to you....I truly hope you find the answers you are looking for. Ann

re: RA and back issues
Anonymous
Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 12:43 AM

I was diagnosed with RA 6 years ago.The 1st medication that the Rheumatologist prescribed was Embril.I now am getting Remacade infusions along with Methatrexate(5 weekly)and folic acid. Recently,my LS Spine started KILLING me.I thought it was my hip,but the doc.keeps saying it's because the back pain is radiating down my leg.THEN, one visit I end up seeing the nurse pract.because the dr. was stuck in the OR and she says it's bursitis and gives me an injection of steroids in the hip.It is still rediculously painful,I can't sleep at night and I am going out of my mind.I saw the Dr. today and he wants to do an LESI(the steroid inj.with live xray right into the spine.It is so confusing!!!!

I just want some refief without narcotics.

The Ra is better with the Remacade-still the feet,ankles,elbows and hands,but nothing like it was .The AM is the worst.Just had to complain to someone who understands.

I feel like I am 100 years old some days!I want my life back.

re: re: RA and back issues
Ann Worden
Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 10:50 AM

I have question for you.....you mentioned that you had pain going down your leg....which leg? The right or the left? Have any of your Doctors recommended an MRI to see what is going on with your back?

re: re: re: RA and back issues
Susan
Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 11:03 AM

It is bilateral ,but most prominent on the left side.I had the Epidural today.It wasn't too bad.My problem is that I was an OR nurse for 25 years so I always think the worst.(I never just have a headache,I think I have a brain tumor!)

My husband has been very ill for 7 years (cancer) so I realy have been focused on him.

The Ortho guy today said if i do not get results after 2 epidurals he will order an MRI.

Thanks for responding.

re: re: re: re: RA and back issues
Ann
Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 10:20 PM

I pray you find the answers your looking for. I found it to be the hardest when I did not have the answers. Once you have the answers.....and hopefully you have a great doctor.....(working in the hospital I'm sure you know the difference between the good ones and the great ones and can choose accordingly).....

Whatever you do or have your doctors do remember once they've completed their job it will be up to you to do yours....meaning that you need to be aggressive in your recovery and do what it takes to get well. It sounds as if you have alot on your plate. God Bless you and your husband during these trying and difficult times. It won't be easy. Sometimes you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

May God's love and light shine on you and your family always,

Ann