Yes I get headaches too from my C1-7 being affected. Thinking I have pinched nerve in there somewhere.
Everything that they xrayed came back with moderate damage. Can imagine what they tell me when I get the MRI done.... Eeeeek.
This is messing with my mind!
In severe, not moderate pain. Can't imagine what it will be like when I'm older.
hi Louise.
fascinating reading your post. please forgive my ignorance, but I'm not familiar with the term AAl. embarrassing really. but what is it short for, seeing as I also have jaw and neck trouble. thanks for your post and take care and keep well. ivan.
Hi Ivan..
I have some serious back pain going on. Have had for couple years. Been referred to physio, but like you I was also told it's not likely to be arthritis as it normally only occurs in the neck... But rarely it can appear in the lower back... So why can't we be the rare ones and be taken seriously. I can't even get a doctor to do a xray to rule it out
Hi.
AAI is ATLANTO AXIAL INSTABILITY.
Basically degenerative bone from my RA at points C1 and C2.had too much movement in my spine colum...needed to be made more stable.
Hello Ivan,
I have been told that I have arthritis in my spine, but to be fair it is mostly Osteo Having said that, I have quite severe ankylosing spondylitis so I'm wondering if that is what your problem is.
I googled RA in spine and this is what it said 'Although rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, wrists, feet, elbows and ankles, it can also affect the facet joints in the spine, causing pain and, in severe cases, destruction of the joints'
Take care. x
Thanks, I would really appreciate that.
Have you requested x rays to see if it is OA
My jaw does suffer in some if the flare ups I have had
Drives you up the wall with the headaches and neuralgia
How often are the backbones x-rayed? Wouldn't that be unnecessary diagnostically? Whether OA or RA, both cause instability and time to check in with a neurologist who specializes in back surgery. Which one delivers the most rads: Chest x-ray or backbone x-ray. I've had my neck done but the thickness of a torso - it would seem only done before surgery, although I don't know about this kind of thing. Do you? Maybe what is done is MRI.
They are not xrayed as standard..probably due to the cost..it was only that I complained of a bit of stiffness in my neck that my consultant said they'd xray...once they found the AAI... I had to have an MRI and a polo scan..to check severity.
They also did xrays through my mouth to see high cervical damage.
Then I was referred back to surgeon.
Thanks louise
I have also had the x-ray through the open mouth to see the C-1 and 2. I don't know what AAI or polo scan are
Hi. I have back pain but told by two different rheumatology nurses that RA doesn't affect lower back. It's a shame in a way because that would have been an understandable issue that way!
Alot of people with RA can have oa as well and that definately does effect the back, so pain is pain no matter what causes it. You would eventually see the bones bulging out on your back more. Mine do. I was told when I got a spinal block, that it was hard finding one that wasn't too narrow. Also you might have weaker muscles and pt to strengthen your back would help that. You can get those exercisess off the internet as well. I try to do them every day.
I just read an article where the first 3 vertebrae can get RA causing you to have headaches. I'm going to research this and try to get back with you cause I am worried about it too. I have a lot of back problems including congenital fusions and wondered if RA might creep into them and cause more pain. As for the doctor telling you to it's a matter for your doctor and not him...that's what my first rheumy told me and the last. I quit him. If they can't take the time to explain anything they are worthless. So many rheumies act like they are God and I am not going to put up with it.
I tried to give you a site where it says you can have RA in your spine but it was moderated. Probably can't give links, but mostly RA is in your cervical area but can be in the lumbar area
Can you tell me what words you used to search? I will look also. Have a headache again today, last week it was 4 straight days. I'm at the point today to call the dr. Taking dyclofenac helps some, but doesn't totatlly get rid of it. I know it is my neck and my jaw, my jaws are tender to the touch.
RA in the spine
I sent you a private message and it's in there