Movement reduces pain.

[Slivia]

I'm new. Here goes. Last year had excruciating back pain going down leg. MRI showed 2 bulging disks. Attended back care exercise class at our local hospital, for their course of 8classes. Kept upexercise going at gym. Sciatica felt better, greatly improved.

However, since December, started getting pains all over body. Had blood tests which showed rheumatoid factor had gone from 7 to 14.creactive protein level shot up from 1 to 17. Worse at night or resting. In fact the more I move about the easier it is.

Having more blood tests end of March forCrp levels. My question is, how can I get a good nights sleep, without having to walk the stairs in middle of night. Thankyou.

[Hidden]

Factsheets here:-

healthunlocked.com/api/redi...

No.2 is "SLEEP AND ARTHRITIS"

[Slivia in reply to Hidden]

V useful info. However, I do tend to have a 20 min. Cat nap after lunch. Feel so much better after. Stretching exercises at night I will now do. Thankyou.

[Hidden in reply to Slivia]

I do both! Cat Nap and stretching.

[Hidden]

Hi, my mums got rheumatoid arthritis, pretty much all over, and yes, keeping active helps alot. If you are overweight, it helps to lose weight, simply because there is added stress to the joints. Regards to sleeping better, my mum has a bed thats electronic, so she can move it to suit. I understand that not everyone can either afford it, or the health service doesn't think it severe enough to supply a bed like this, but making the bed more comfortable with cushions? The other tip, is not to do much walking around prior to bedtime. Though you feel better walking about, as the body relaxes, the pain/inflamation is worse. Maybe taking your antiflamatory or painkiller, a little before bedtime, might help, and applying analgesic cream. Im only going how my mum has dealt with this for 40yrs. I saw her at her utmost best, when she lost weight, and was more active in the garden. Walked a little each day, extending the walk weekly. Hope you feel better soon. Maybe when they have diagnosed you properly, they will be able to help you better.

[Slivia in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou so much. Went to bed early, but got up at 5.30, due to pain. Will now try not to be too active before bedtime. I do not have a weight problem. Analgesic cream is a good idea.

Awaiting blood test results (2nd lot). Thankyou everyone for the tips. It is good to have your support & exchange info.