Lower spine pain

[Sunnyseas]

Has anyone had lower spine problems caused by RA? Pain and leg weakness. I’m having concerning symptoms & am waiting to see an orthopaedic consultant. Ss

[Wobbies]

Yes me, axial spondyloarthritis. Can't stand for long or walk far because of it.

[Sunnyseas in reply to Wobbies]

That sounds very hard Wobbies, is that similar/a complication of RA? I hope you are getting the help that you need, Ss

[Wobbies in reply to Sunnyseas]

My rheumy says it is all under the the RD umbrella and treatment is all the same. He does his best but have yet to find the right drugs for me.

[helixhelix]

Yes, but not caused by RA, just life and osteoarthritis.

Back problems are sadly very common if you have axial spondyloarthritis. RA is less likely to attack the lower spine, although it is possible., and the more common cause is osteoarthritis. Doesn’t actually matter what has caused it, as hurts just the same!

I hope you get to see someone soon. Have you had an MRI to identify the problems?

And if the back weakness causes loss of control to your bladder and bowels please call an ambulance, as that is an emergency.

[Sunnyseas in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks Helix for your reply. I’m hoping an MRI can be arranged to get a proper diagnosis & treatment plan, ss

[Barbs51]

Hi, I have Sjögren’s and osteoporosis with lower spine and leg pain causing problems standing and walking increased a few months ago I’m awaiting results from the mri scan last week that my Rheumy ordered. 🌻

[Sunnyseas in reply to Barbs51]

Hi Barbs51-I hope you get the results soon and they can help you get some relief, Ss

[Angels54]

Hi I have multiple fractures , now 2 yrs 8 months had nothing done , was told about operation, I have osteoarthritis in my back as well as RA , I have had one zoom call, due another zoom call in 6 wks , I have given up on it now as my back has healed but not in the right way , I think it’s all “ blah “ “ blah ” . I can’t do the things I used to do .?I hope you get the support you need as back ache is really awful , good luck 👍

[tansy-ann8]

Hi, yes, and it hurts like hell. I have Osteoarthritis in my four lumbar vertebrae, spondylitis and find it difficult to stand to cook, work in greenhouse or whatever, sitting is painful and bed also. I try to keep walking in spurts as I also have COPD, but each step can be difficult on some days. I have been waiting for ages for an appointment for the spinal injections, perhaps I've been lost somewhere on someone's desk. You have my sympathy.

[eastbournelady]

Within 4 years of having sero neg RA I had severe spinal pain (which Rheumie ignored ) I now still have severe spine pain and 4-5 lumbar discs are compressed etc recently thought pain in hips was seperate but no, oa in hips only mild-moderate, so spine is still major cause. They wont do anything for spine so get yours checked out early.

[14penny]

Hi Sunnyseas,I have terrible lower spine pain and numbness of upper legs and in feet as well. I have been to rheumy, GP and Physiotherapist and feel like pass the parcel, the last stop was seeing a physiotherapist who thought sit ups and to join Nordic Walking would be good but so far no one has got back to me to learn the Nordic Walking which you have to do before going on the walks so today I thought I would take the Pain consultations advice and try to do mind over matte while walking the dog - well I felt like crying as I pushed myself so hard, big baby I know| and when I got home the top of my legs felt really numb and icy cold so if you find anyone who can offer any kind of usefull help I would love to know , it so so usefull on this site as you dont feel so very alone with all of this and I do hope you get some relief for yours. Good Luck x

[Sunnyseas]

Dear 14penny - I’m very sorry to hear of your situation and difficulty in getting the help that you need. I’m not medically trained but I would keep a note of what helps & what doesn’t. I’ve been reading up on possible causes. It sounds like a nerve problem given the numbness you mentioned. Sounds like your dog walk aggravated the problem, and definitely worth mentioning. Could be inflammation near the nerve or trapped nerve. Some manipulation from the physio may have helped, depends what they did. Knees to chest sort of thing. I’ve tried gentle walking, but it’s easy to overdo this, hot & cold, sleeping with a pillow under my knees/between legs. Can’t sit for too long. Have you had an X-ray to check your spine? I hope you soon find some relief, best wishes Ss