Back pain questions

[gnstric66]

Hello, I have had ra for many years and it has been controlled well with Methotrexate and Plaquenil . a couple of years ago I started having lower back pain and neck pain my ra doctor said the lower back pain is not ra I was wondering if anyone else has been told that and how it was treated

[helixhelix]

Yup, I have lots of problems with my spine that are nothing to do with RA. After all back and neck pain are among the most common complaints. I treat mine with physiotherapy and exercise.

[AgedCrone]

I have been told by more than one rheumatologist that apparently RA does not affect the spine....they say it is more likely to be OA.

Never had that problem, but I guess they know what they are talking about?

[Hidden]

I suffered lower back pain and again recently. There is a pattern for me. If my feet and ankles are playing up my stance and gait change and its obviously a knock on effect and I’m putting strain on my back. I have a few physio exercises I do as soon as it plays up and I find that helps

[Lolabridge]

I’ve also heard back pain is usually not RA. However it could be referred pain from a problem elsewhere like feet, knees or hips.

I agree that seeing a physio is probably the best first step. But don’t let it just be dismissed as osteoarthritis as mine did. I have discovered I have an unstable pelvis and it can tip forward. This causes back ache and when it’s out of alignment I get ankle problems and end up limping.

I go to a chiropractor for very gentle treatment in that case as nothing else seems to work for me. But it doesn’t help that I’m also hypermobile!

[springcross in reply to Lolabridge]

I'm hypermobile also Lolabridge. Osteo told me that many years ago and said that as I got older, it would get much worse. Oh boy was he right. I have been seeing osteos, chiros and physios for years but it hasn't been helped by breaking my back 16/17 years ago and ending up with kyphoscoliosis. Many more problems since that.

[Boxerlady]

I can highly recommend Alexander Technique for any back pain. Obviously the one to one lessons aren't possible atm (same for physio etc I suppose) but once you've "learnt" it, it's there forever.. Brilliant!

[springcross in reply to Boxerlady]

I looked into that about eighteen months ago but couldn't find one locally or within a reasonable distance that sounded all that impressive.

[Boxerlady in reply to springcross]

That's a shame. The training is long and detailed so less people take it on than you might think. I've had 3 different teachers over about 25 years (it's a very valuable tool in my profession so we often have top up lessons to tweak and improve our approach) and they were all very good although quite different. I suppose that it's a bit like finding a counsellor - you need to have a session together see how you get on. Most teachers offer a initial introductory lesson.

[springcross in reply to Boxerlady]

Thanks for that Boxerlady. x

[sylvi]

Look up spondylisis(excuse spelling) you might find some answers there.xxx

[lilyak]

RA most certainly does affect the cervical spine.

If you have lower back pain that you believe is inflammatory in nature, you may have spondylitis, and should ask your rheum to assess you.

[gnstric66 in reply to lilyak]

Yes I think I do need to speak to him about it thanks for your reply