i was diagnosed with osteoarthritis about 15 years ago, I am 62 now, It used to be only in my lower back now I have pain in my neck bones up the top of spine leading down below shoulders, also in my hands and bones in my arms hurt as well, I can walk up the stairs but coming down my right knee is painfull, I have also had times when it is painful swallowing food going down sometimes hurts between my shoulders, I also had severe pain down my flans at the back for 2 months, that has gone now it seems to come and go in different areas. Has anyone had similar symptoms?
Hi Lyn
I have had OA for a long time and yes the pain tends to move around and I manage it with movement and pain killers at night as I can't sleep otherwise.
I also take Calcium with Vit D to make sure that my bones are as strong as possible, do yoga and Pilates regularly and meditate. I have had problems with my knee but it proved to be a knee cap tracking problem which was corrected with appropriate and regular exercises set up by a good physio.
Finally I see an osteopath usually once a month or so and that keeps my spine in reasonable order.
The swallowing pain would concern me as it seems more likely a different problem, may be reflux or something else. If I was you I would perhaps talk to my GP about it.
Spinal problems can esily cause pain in different parts of your body like your sides and ribs but I don't think they can cause pain while swallowing.
Hope this helps a little.
I I was at the hospital yesterday but they are not sure if I have cervical spondylitis,
Coincidentally Lyn, I've had OA for a few years, firstly in my ankle due to a major accident which destroyed the cartilage and then subsequently in my thumb joints but just the past few weeks I've had the type of 'bone hurt' you mentioned in my arms and top of one leg (not quite up into the hip) it's been excrutiating and anti inflamms have only just taken the edge of it not removed it. Got so difficult to even move I booked appt with docs and went this morning. I've been told to book a blood test and "keep taking the tablets" - yeh right, they don't do much. My partner has recently started taking turmeric supplements (look for those with a high concentration of curcumin, the active ingredient) and he feels that his back pain is less severe after a couple of weeks of taking them, so I might try them also. As Mishe has said, the swallowing issue could be down to something completely different so definitely speak to your doctor about that. Also maybe ask for a referral to a rheumatologist as fluid pain can be an RA issue as opposed to OA and there are different treatments available for that type of arthritis. I really do sympathise, constant pain is exhausting and I'm so fed up with being so restricted by it. Good luck hon. xx
that unfortunatelly is not that different to OA diagnosis and as far as I am aware there is not that much the doctors can do but with a good exercise program you may be able to minimise your symptoms. It is really important to exercise
I just realised that the swallowing pain may be related to prolonged use of untinflammatory meds and that can be quite a serious issue so better not to ignore it. I personally can't take steroid based meds and others don't work on me at all but I totally agre with Loxie that natural suplements are always worth trying
all the best
yes Mishe, you could be right about the anti-inflamms and throat. I have real issues with NSAIDs, I try not to take too many as they mess up my whole system very badly. I too don't tolerate steroidal meds or opiates either, real catch 22 situation, either be in pain or get really ill. Doc offered me high dose codeine type meds today and I refused, they just slaughter me and I'm too happy with my digestive system and general health to mess around with it. Cant win can we 
nope
winning is not really an option but a reasonable balance when ever possible is my aim
although it never stays balanced so we need to enjoy the good days and try not to pay too much attention to bad ones
keeping positive attitude is hard at times but it is really hepful
that is why I do things like yoga, meditaiton and I also paint and that takes my mind off everything
I find that the weather also has huge infuence on my pain levels and it is not that much warm or cold but changes of weather
is it the same for you Loxie?