I have been diagnosed with AS for 6 years now and i am only 24 years old. I have not been able to control the pain in my lower back for some time now. I have been told that my physio is unable to help me any further. Recently i have been expericening severe muscle spasms in my lower back/bum and not sure whether this is normal or not? please help
Hi clare i get them also just let mine settle down on its own .i will you what i get alot i can be walking and my left knee gives way and i dip down the wife thinks its funny im not thoe
Hi Clare, I was in my 20s when I was diagnosed (52 years old now). I had terrible pain in my lower back and butt too. I took different anti inflamatories until I found one that controlled the pain and then once I was able to move a bit, I walked as much as possible which really helped. I still have to switch medication when one stops working but I still take them every day - and if I start hurting, I increase my exercise. I suggest you take as much medication as your doctor recommends and move as much as you can!
Good luck
Bridget
Hi Popeye and Bridget, thanks for getting back to me. I am yet to find anything that actually works for me. I have been on a study,entacept and now humira and the doctors are now planning on changing this again. The pain is so bad now that I am on Naproxen 4 times a day and codeine 4 times a day. Trying to work a full time job with no sleep and this pain is getting too much. I have even asked for assistance from the government but i have been rejected. I think the stress of all of this is making it worse
Hi again clare i jab once a week with etenercept it helps but when the weathers cold and damp i just stock up on co codamol n other super strength pain killers
HI Clare. Im sorry you are having so much pain, I can sympathize. What has helped me good pain management with medication and exercises. Also I did a Pain Management Program that went for 2 weeks. I learnt everything about the different types of pain, the psychology of it, exercises, hydrotherapy. I use a TENS unit and a small electric heating pad when I have flares. I also take sulfasalazine, tramadol and morphine patches and anti-inflammatory tablets. I get pain in my feet, knees, hips, butt and spine, and hands and pubic bone. I have gotten used to the pain tho when I have a flare it makes it harder. I have had to give up my parttime work after I also got polymyalgia. Now having less stress has made things easier. Meditation certainly helps to cope with the pain. I hope this helps.
ps I also use a polymer gel slab when i am in the car - helps lessen the vibrations - vibration made the pain in my butt and spine worse. The occupational therapist at the program suggested I give it a try - I use it all the time.
Good call on that one denise will try my butt out on that