Osteoarthritis

Morning

Been confirmed I've got Osteoarthritis in my lower spine , been laid off sick for 12 weeks now . Never been off this long before, can't return to work until I'm at least 99 per cent fit . Fed up with the pain and not being able to do a lot , on tramadol 3 x a day .

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Hi Pilot. Sorry you have such severe arthritis in your spine. I have OA in my lumbar region and have had blocks of time where it has incapacitated me. What I found was that very gentle movement - just slowly rotating and moving my arms using my Nintendo Wii fit yoga and other programmes - really helped. I also saw a chiropractor last time things were bad and he helped me a lot too.

I find that low release Tramadol 100mg works better for me.

Lots of people here have OA alongside their RA so may be able to suggest other treatments but it was the gentle exercise that helped me most. Do you see a physiotherapist and do you also have RA?

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Thanks Twitchytoes

Just got OA , been on 100mg x3 per day . Not helping , just started taking Amitriptyline 1per night . Because I'm off work I do bits around the house to keep busy, saw a private physio and done some good . Also use a tens machine which helps relief some of the pain , trouble is every now and then it feels like my back is going to lock up .

Sorry for rambling on

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Yes I get that locking too sometimes - it's scary! You are not rambling at all. Have you tried the Arthritis Care "Living with Arthritis" forum yet I wonder? I'm thinking that you may get many more responses to this question there as most people here have a more systemic/ autoimmune type of arthritis and we are often more preoccupied by the side effects of immune suppressant drugs than by arthritis itself.

Don't get me wrong - OA can be horrible in itself. However yours is a more mechanical problem from your description of it so you may benefit from more targeted support and suggestions on how to improve things for yourself from a much bigger pool of people than this community can offer.

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Many thanks

Twitchytoes will try it , coping with pain is a strength itself so feel good about yourself

[oldtimer]

Can you go in the swimming pool? When I had problems with my lower spine, I actually went every day to the adult swim session in the middle of the day and just messed about in the shallow end doing exercises. I did get some odd looks at first, but then the serious swimmers - you know the ones who power up and down for ages and come out looking all glowing and self-righteous - just ignored me, although a few greeted me like an old friend, which was nice.

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Hi Oldtimer

That's another avenue to go down . Many thanks for the info ,