Back ache

[Dwilsher]

Hi there, I'm new to all this as never been on a forum before in my life! I have lupus and despite being on methotrexate and various painkillers, I still have terrible aching in my back which tends to move around and never leaves me. Anyone else had a problem with this?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Dwilsher,

Welcome to the site. I hope you find it a useful source of support and information. What has your doctor said about your back aches? Have you had it investigated?

[Dwilsher in reply to Paul_Howard]

Initially he thought it was mechanical but I thought it was the prednisolone but after coming off the steroids I have felt a muscular ache pretty constant most days that gets worse if I exert myself. On my last visit he now thinks it s a plueric type pain but I feel its a lupus pain. Its been with me for nearly a year now but was often masked by the steroids. I'm now taking methotrexate 15mg per week but this is only my 3rd week.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Dwilsher]

Hopefully if it is the lupus causing the pain, it will start to improve in the next few weeks as the methotrexate begins to take more of an effect. Please keep us updated about how you are getting on.

[Shann07]

I have awful bouts of upper back pain (thoracic area). I had it chronically for months but it has eased a little now. Im on 7.5 prednisolone and i think it does help a bit. Currently waiting on MRI scan to check for compressed nerves. I totally sympathise with you it really is the most crippling pain. Mine also feels like pleuritic pain because it pierces into my chest. Rheummy is baffled where its coming from. Hope you get answers soon.

[Dwilsher in reply to Shann07]

Thank you

[Bebe76]

I've had upper back pain since before being diagnosed with lupus (and now both upper and lower), which is worse during flare-ups. I have been to several physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and they all seem to have a different answer as to the cause, but the general consensus was postural/mechanical issues. However, I finally had an X-ray recently which showed some mild degeneration that is unusual for someone my age, however since it is mild it does not seem to be the cause. If possible, perhaps you can get an evaluation from a physiotherapist; normally on the first appointment they will assess your posture, gait, strength/weakness, flexibility, etc to try to determine the cause of your pain - it may or may not be related to lupus.

[Dwilsher in reply to Bebe76]

Thanks Bebe76

[Denise1219]

Yes I am going through that right now it's just awful. I have had pain in my back and hips and down my legs that I can't even walk much

[Dwilsher in reply to Denise1219]

Please let me know what the specialists recommends