R A or O A

[Treesha]

Is it possible to have R A in the neck? I'm asking because i can't find much help on arthritis websites other than its very similar to O A. although i think the treatment man be very different.

[Lorraine_NRAS]

Hi

Yes, RA can affect the spine, particularly the cervical spine, these are the joints that form the neck and go up into the skull. The information on this link may be of interest spine-health.com/conditions...

Best wishes

Lorraine

[DC56]

Yes it dose affect the neck I have fused vertebra in the neck and can't lie flat because of it ,it may cause a few problems but you'll manage them

[Treesha in reply to DC56]

Thanks for your reply I am trying to find out the cause of the severe stiffness in mornings ( and during the night ) . until I had a steroid injection in December I had to roll out of bed for several weeks. The rheumy nurse seems to think O A although she did say " see how you respond to the injection " I am wondering if O A or pulled muscles would have the same symptoms. Thanks again and hope you're well ish today

[allanah]

Sorry just seen your post. Yes I have it and two years ago had an op to take out discs and replace them and a cage put around that area too and it's been a huge success.

I was getting pins and needles which is why I needed the op.

The RA treatments do help , but unfortunately I also have Osteoarthritis as well doh! Lorraine's link is good X

[sandraw21]

Why not ask for a soft collar to give your neck a rest.

[magglen]

RA affects all the joints not just one. So if it is just your neck then it is more likely to be OA. However, my RA started with a stiff painful shoulder only.

RA would be diagnosed by a blood test. It sounds like you are under the right medical care for now but do persist if you are worried. Your GP is your first call.

[bella-bailey]

I've been told it could be R/A,O/A or muscular. Have been in terrible pain for over 12 years now, have had physio, acupuncture to name a few. Eventually got referred to Pain Management Team Last year. Have had injections in back of head and base of neck also been put on new strong pain killers which as eased it considerlably, I am now waiting for a bone scan for the rest of my body , always something to look forward to lol. Hope you manage to get some help a lot faster than I did xx

[Treesha]

Thanks for your reply sorry to hear your experience with your neck. I don't seem to be getting anywhere with the medical profession. GP fobs me off with anti inflammatories. rheumy docs say probably mechanical. I've had years of on / off physio and ant inflammatories for pain in illiac region now my neck has joined the party. It would be helpful just to know for definite what it really is.

[bella-bailey]

Hi Treesha, it's a long road isn't it.I now find the new pain killers are not working for me pain wise , I am now coming off them as they make me so drowsy, can't function at all. I am waiting to go back to the Pain Clinic to see if I can get more injections to my neck, hopefully they might ease it for a while. I am also going for a bone scan soon My Rheumy seems to think it now could be muscular now plus OAK. Hope you get the help you need. Take care x

[papa52]

Oh yes RA can affect your neck. I haven't had a decent nights sleep in years due to the pain. I have the odd night where the stars align and I get up feeling great and I am on Fentanyl. Pretty shitty, huh!