Lower back pain getting worse...

I have some arthritis from Crohn's but have been able to keep it under control with ibuprofen. I know you have said you cannot take that so my next suggestion would be a muscle relaxer. I know I sound like a broken record but adding that has made such a significant difference in my overall pain...including my back. Weren't you diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis? Are there any NSAIDs that you can take? My rheumy said that I have kept my AS under control with ibuprofen, too.

I wish I could be more help to you. I did develop a bleeding ulcer after taking ibuprofen for two decades. I stopped taking it and, man, I couldn't walk. The drugs they were suggesting...Humira and Remicade infusions....were not good considering my family history. It became a quality of life issue for me so I started taking ibuprofen again. My Internist also has me taking Pepcid AC (prescription strength) and also a medication called Misoprostol (Cytotec). I've been doing this for about a year and a half and haven't had any problems.

Sherrine

Food for thought (although it might not be related to your issue)

Sacro illiac pain can cause low back pain, and oftentimes is the cause for unexplained back pain or when surgery for back pain fails and pain continues. Many people have this problem and are never properly diagnosed.

I have this type of pain and it causes a dull but really uncomfortable pain right above my butt at the lowest point in my back. Sometimes it travels up my spine, into my hip, or even down my thigh.

Getting manipulated back into proper alignment can help, from an expert who understands the complexities of the sacroilliac joint and how it can become unstable and locked in place. Unfortunately not many medical professionals know how to deal with this issue.

Sherrine-Thanks for your suggestions! I am already taking a muscle relaxer, and it does help significantly. I will take your suggestions to the RA with me, when I get the results of those xrays from this summer, and the new doctor will likely order more. C'mon, new insurance!!

I am in a crohns active period right now, and so the pain is fairly rampant.

I used to be quite mobile, with movement training in my background. Even when I was heavier, I still was very graceful and flexible. I first realized there might be a problem when I couldn't unstack my spine properly, and doing floor work hurt. It's gotten worse in recent years.

CT-Thanks for the ideas. I am afraid of braces-they tend to make the muscles weaker. I used one on my ankle in my youth and I am convinced that is why it never improved.

CCL and Wackers- I am considering this, actually, again, once the insurance kicks in and I have a little more money.

My aim has been to stay as active as I can for as long as I can. My mother, at 86, is very sedentary and she always has been. However, my 90 YO aunt is very limber, and again has always been active. That is the main reason when FMS hit at age 34, I developed myself into an exerciser. I want to be able to move, if I make it to 80.

Thanks all for the food for thought. Happy Hols!

I have been having the same problem. I plan on having xrays done when I go to my Rheumy next month. I know that some of the problem is my weight so that is something I plan on taking care of after the holidays. It's been really tough. I agree with Sherrine about taking ibuprofen and a muscle relaxer. It does help me some. I can totally understand your pain and hope you find relief soon.