Have had RA since 2005. Recently have nerve pain down... - NRAS

NRAS

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Have had RA since 2005. Recently have nerve pain down right leg which eases up after walking . Think it is lower spine, not hip, problem.

magglen profile image
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would osteopathy help... or should I find a physiotherapist?

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magglen
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helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

When you say nerve pain, does it feel like sciatica or something like that? If so, may well be unconnected to the RA and due to alignment of your back/hips or even a bit of OA somewhere. So if you can't get an appointment with rheumy team then go see your GP, as they can also refer you to physio or for a x-ray/scan. If you have RA rather than AS then many rheumy's are supremely uninterested in backs and hips. However, if you have any other symptoms of nerve compression such as problems with your bladder then do book appointment with GP straight away as could indicate more serious problems - very unlikely but better safe than sorry. Polly

magglen profile image
magglen in reply to helixhelix

Yes. it is a sciatica pain. My guess is that because the RA has deformed that right side knee and ankle, it has put my spine out a bit. I am looking to see an osteopath.

Don't really want to go up the GP road as she would only refer me for an X Ray and I try to avoid these. i think someone with expert hands would be able to feel the problem and perhaps give me some exercises. Strange how walking improves it.

Thanks for your reply

sounds like sciatica

earthwitch profile image
earthwitch

Sounds like sciatica, which is really common with degenerative disc disease, and which isn't really directly related to RA. It would be a good idea to check with your GP though. Also, if you have any problems passing urine, or with your bowels that seems related to this nerve pain, then please treat it as an emergency red flag symptom and get to the emergency department - there is only a very short window of opportunity (preferably less than 24 hours) to surgically fix red flag things before damage becomes permanent. Also, if you are getting this kind of pain down both legs (alternating, not necessarily at the same time) then its probably not sciatica but a different kind of nerve damage.

Definitely DON'T see a chiropractor, or anyone who does any kind of manipulation UNTIL you have been checked out by a doctor first (preferably with xrays or MRI. The reason for that is that RA, OA and other degenerative diseases (DDD) can lead to extra bits of bone forming on the spine (osteophytes and syndesmophytes) and one wrong move by someone manipulating your spine could cause a bit to break off, or poke into your spinal cord causing damage and paralysis.

magglen profile image
magglen in reply to earthwitch

AS my above reply to Helix, I think it is just misalignment to my spine from the RA's effect on that right leg. I certainly wouldn't go to a Chiropractor but do think an osteopath would be able to feel the problem. From my experience osteopaths are very gentle Thanks for your reply x