Lumber pain

Hello I am new to this board and I would love to hear from others who have RA.  I also have a question I was diagnosed with RA ten years ago and have of course picked up some friends along the way. Fibro, Psoriatic arthritis, Chronic bladder inflammation, Sjogrens and now I have very bad lumbar pain just had Mri and will find out Friday what the cause is. My question is this has anyone had this problem I believe it may be Anklosing spondylitis.  I would like to know how it was diagnosed for others and what helps the pain.

                                                          Thanks so much

                                                              Lisa [email protected]

I have Ankylosing Spondylitis [AS]. I also have Crohn's disease. My AS was diagnosed based on inflammation in the sacroileac joints that appeared on MRI. I also have enthesitis in multiple places and am HLA-B27 positive. Being HLA-B27 positive is not necessary to be diagnosed with AS however many with it are positive.

Psoriatic arthritis is a cousin of AS and is classified as one in the Spondylitis diseases. Treatment for PsA is very similar to treatment of AS. The treatments for AS are similiar to rheumatoid arthritis treatments.

Getting the inflammation under control is a key to reducing my pain. Finding the right combo of meds can take some time. Currently I am taking Simponi and it has helped alot. I also take Tramadol for days when the pain is bad.

Hi there,

I have also been having similar spine pain, and I mentioned it to my rheumy at my last appointment, but he didn't seem too concerned. However, in July I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis, and my pcp forwarded the information to him, and now he seems very concerned about my spine/pain. I have a feeling at my next visit I will be getting an MRI to check things out. I was asked at the time, if I had any numbness in my legs etc and I said no, so he didn't suspect AS. I do have the bladder inflammation or IC.

Hang in there and I hope you get an answer soon.

Went to doc today I have herniated dics, spinal stenosis and some arthritis all in lumbar area. when I asked if the arthritis was osteo he said no when I suggested that it might be AS he said (I dont think thats the problem) but of course he can't tell what the problem is. So I will see another spine doc soon and talk to rheumy I feel like crying.



Lisa

It is better for them to at least have something to go off of. I am sure that makes you feel no better. I have herniated disc and sciatica so I can relate. i was just told I need to see a spine specialist because this is my 3rd time this year with it. I hope they can figure out something to help you. Goodness knows you def. don't need more added to your list. Good luck. Heather