Back Pain When Walking

[AmateurSewer]

Hi, I suffer from arthritis and on Rituximab and methotrexate, so you’d think that I would be pain free all of the time 😬 but I’ve started to go for 30 minute walks but my back starts to seize up and hurt when I walk. Any tips on what to do to prevent this? (I’ve tried painkillers and things like rubs)

[AgedCrone]

It sounds as if physio may help…..have a word with your rheumy team.

[Crystallmatters in reply to AgedCrone]

I think what you are doing is excellent, I would say so many things to consider that might help, little things add up , 30mins walking , reduce to 10mins for a week but maybe twice a day only if temperatures right for you. Stretch for a short while before and after , just light. make sure you have good foot-ware sensible stable cushioning . I have osteoarthritis in my lower back , I walk in the woods for a softer ground . If better be patient before increasing your walk up to 15mins may be a week. Remember your brain is there to protect you be careful with the threat response, don’t let it think a walk is pain as the trigger will go off when in fact things are fine. When walking be aware of your posture.

enjoy the fresh air , you can remember to break the walk stop rest , take stock of your senses , to feel, look , sight , listen, and space , finish a walk early while you hopefully are not to bad. Just another angle . A specialist said to me David maybe shorten the walk and go for some light exercises, yoga based, a lot of the on line different exercises are yoga based. My short walks give me head space . I vary the walks and places a lot , this seems to help me balance the pain and suffering , I often question, life the universe and everything, for me overall the benefits of getting out walking, helps both physically and mentally. Good luck no harm in experimenting. Sorry for your pain and suffering, remember to have compassion for your self. X

[AmateurSewer in reply to Crystallmatters]

Thank you for your considered response. I’m going to take a little bit of advice from everyone who has responded to my post. I will definitely contact my GP/ physio/ professional on Monday. And yes take the shorter walks which you have suggested. Everyone is so kind on this group and I am so glad that I reached out 😄

[Runrig01]

Unfortunately if you have any damage from the inflammatory arthritis, then biologics and MTX won’t help. The best thing to do is gentle stretches, I have ankylosing spondylitis, and this is part of my daily routine. I’m still in pain, but less than if I didn’t stretch

[Amnesiac3637]

Best thing is to find out what’s wrong first and then be guided by your doctor as to what treatment to get and what to do.

Other things happen to come along and make us hurt and this may be secondary to your RA or may be a separate set of symptoms but worth knowing before you go down the rabbit holes. Hope you get it sorted out soon.

[medway-lady]

I’d try an Oestopath.

[Spanelmad]

If this is a new symptom you need to.discuss with your rheumatologist and GP. It sounds like it needs investigation.

[Downinil]

Only thing I can do for the situation you described is listen to my body and stretch, meditate daily as well as move carefully. I’m afraid there’s not much that can be done but I’m not your doctor so check with them. That’s my advise.

[smilelines]

my hamstrings were tight and causing me back pain. See if you can lie on the floor with your bottom touching the wall and legs straight up the wall. If you can’t maybe that is the problem.

[wilbertjellyfish]

You need to speak to your GP. It may not be related to your RA. I'm finding at the minute I get exhausted walking around shops but I can manage a walk with the dogs. However I can swim for a good 50 mins and not feel anything.

I'm on a biologic, Mtx, eterocoxib, pred and max paracetamol and not pain free.

[TheBoys]

hi

This always happens to me - so I’ve learned to stop walking and sit down for a few minutes or I stand still, relax then lean forward and over with my arms down. I do a couple of these and the stretch seems to relieve the back. Good luck

[Grumpyoldmare]

Our my almost 30 years of dealing with RA I have found the best 2 things to help are 1. A good podiatrist and orthotics to fit. 2. A great physio.

[Numptybrain]

I’m amazed you can do 30 minutes walking I have osteoarthritis and osteoporosis of my spine and severe degeneration, etc I can’t stand for too long and I can only walk short distances with a rollator so you are doing incredibly well. I still try to walk as much as I can but it’s very difficult and after the pain wipes me out. I’m now awaiting a new extra padded with spinal support wheelchair for when I go shopping etc so I can still get out with my husband and family. I have to exercise for my lungs so self propelled wheelchair is the only option. Be kind to yourself and listen to your body.

Take care

Wendy xx

[PCStrawberry]

Pain-free is rare, in my experience. Do what you can tolerate safely. Shorter bursts of exercise, as previously offered. For example, three ten minute walks per day. And, as also noted by others, stretching such as yoga and/or tai chi. My pain is managed with Mobic, when needed. My wife had nerve ablation. Ask your MD about possible options.

[LondonLinda]

I literally had an appointment with consultation on Wednesday about the same condition. I too am on Methotrexate and Rituximab. He is sending me for a MRI for reduced blood flow from spine.

[Vixen2]

Hi. I’ve had RA since i was 21. (53 now). I’m on a 6 weekly infusion of Infliximab. I like to go for walks. (I live ine Central London). So the crowds really get on my nerves. If i feel like some air & the wether’s nice. I love going through the back streets. May i suggest. You go for a walk. Then stop off at a cafe. Get a nice hot cuppa & people watch for a while. That’s what i love to do. (I’m nosy!) I love going to a cafe near Holborn Station. Lovely staff, & i usually order scrambled eggs on toast & 1 sausage. With loads of brown sauce!!!! (I’m making myself hungry!) Then i slowly walk home. It does us all good physically & mentally to push ourselves! (But don’t overdo it). Good luck x