I was diagnosed with R/A 4yrs ago, have been on Sulfasalazine, but now on Methotrexate. Does R/A also affect the Spinal area, .

[ggtone1937]

The pain when rising,is pretty severe, I take 2 Tramadol for ease. I dont seem to see anybody referring to Lumbar problems in previous questions

[Hidden]

I think RA can affect any joints in the body and sometimes soft tissue too. But there is also a brother/ sister form of inflammatory arthritis called Ankylosing Spondylitis that affects men more than women - I would speak to your consultant as soon as possible if things are changing as the spine is less commonly affected than other areas with RA. Osteoarthrits also quite often affects the spine I believe.

[hamble99b]

I have fibromyalgia as well as ra and don't know which is resonsible. I can get a lot of musculat and joint pain which can prevent me from sitting, rising, getting in/out of bed and lying down

regards, sandra.

[helixhelix]

Maybe we just don't mention it as much? But yes my back is dreadful at times. I do have a spina bifida oclusion (a weak bit in my back) so have had problems with my back for years, but it's been much worse since RA developed. Although I panic more about losing ability to use my hands and feet rather than my back, even tho' it can sometimes hurt more. Never quite sure whether it's the RA, or something else but since the end result of all of them is that it all hurts I've never really insisted on an answer. Although As Tilda says, RA tends to go for the small joints first, but it can attacK others too. Polly

[Hidden]

The answer to your question is, absolutely, unfortunately, Yes.

The vertebrae of the spine are considered small joints, when the arthritis settles there, the vertebrae become very painful,stiff, discs can become swollen, protruding, or herniated, resulting in nerves at that level being compressed.

You will likely need to have an MRI of the spine which will highlight which nerves are being affected. Best to see your consultant as soon as possible. Early detection can avoid the surgery that is recommended if the damage is too severe.

I wish you all the best, and easiest results. Loret

[ggtone1937 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Loret for your very comprehensive answer, very much appreciated.

I would also like to thank everybody else that took the time to answer.

I have only just registered on this site, and am finding it very informative. ggtone1937

[Hidden in reply to ggtone1937]

Welcome to the group! There are lots of very wise, educated and informed, very compassionate and understanding folks here. We have all been through the varying stages of treatments, trials and successes.

If you have a question about anything, someone here will surely have an answer! Take good care, you come first ! Loret

[earthwitch]

Inflammatory arthritis that hits your spine is usually in the axial spondyloarthritis family (ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, etc) rather than RA. It is possible to have both, and it is possible to be wrongly diagnosed with one, before it becomes clear that its actually the other. Its definitely something to make sure your rheumatologist knows about as they may want to do more imaging to check. It won't make a lot of difference to your treatment though.