Diagnosed with Crohns 4 months ago, having back pain, in conjunction with fatigue.

[Kathy6]

I'm on immune suppressants for about 9 weeks and now on a high dose of steroids. Fatigue is a bit better but back pain in lower back and centre of my back is making it hard to function. I've had this problem before I was diagnosed, before the bowel problems became more noticable. I was just wondering if this is common. The specialist is looking at another autoimmune disease that may be causing that, does anyone know what that could be?

[bunty65]

Hi Kathy6 I suffer with lower back pain along with pain in the soles of my feet when I have a flare up so think this could be quite a common symptom (I started having problems 12 years ago). I've been told I have Ulcerative Colitis by one consultant and Crohns by another so I know I have a bowel disease but generally don't mention which as the treatments are the same. I don't know what they could be looking at and it's probably best to ask them directly. I hope that they can find something that helps you soon.

[Kathy6 in reply to bunty65]

I'm also getting it higher up my back as well. Maybe that's just transferred pain. Thank you it is a very strange disease, I don't know what expect next. Hopefully everything will start working soon.

[bunty65 in reply to Kathy6]

I'd talk to the consultant about it, there are so many symptoms and obviously you learn what helps ease them along the way. The only advice I can give you is as soon as symptoms start rest, I tried for years to push on through and it was the worst thing. I hope you can find something that works for you

[Kathy6 in reply to bunty65]

Thank you, you are right I'm trying to fight through it and I'm not improving.

[Angep]

Hi Kathy, I suffered with terrible back pain before being diagnosed with Crohn's disease!! And in fact have justvhad 2 weeks off work with lower back pain again!! It's obviously common with this then. I hadn't realised!!!

[willow24 Administrator]

Hi around 15-20% of Crohn's sufferers experience arthritis type manifestations in limbs (enteropathic) and/or spine (axial), and approx 10% of ulcerative colitis sufferers. These can flare up at the same time as a flare up of the Crohn's or independently.

It might be wise to ask your consultant to refer you to a rheumatologist. they can work with your gastro consultant to work out best medication to manage the IBD and arthritis

[Kathy6 in reply to willow24]

Thank you I think that's what I have. They are going to do X-rays on my back and hands.

[WafflesMan]

I have had Colitis for many years now and suffered with back pain for most of that time. Just recently my Primary Care Doctor sent me for X-Rays and found that I was NOT completely emptying my bowels no matter how much I went to the bathroom. The excess stools were putting pressure om my colon and therefore against my nerves. The Doc believes that this is the cause of my back pain. I suggest that you go for X-Rays of your Lumbar region after taking a laxative and see if your Doc sees the same thing. Good luck to you and please post your results.

[Kathy6 in reply to WafflesMan]

Thank you. Before I was diagnosed I was getting these back pains on and off for a while. It usually would go away when I emptied my bowels on a morning, but I would go about 5 times and then the pain would go.