spinal arthritis

[Tiggeroo]

I've been through a long period of severe stomach pain and alot of tests to find the cause. When my ab pain would get really bad I would sometimes get very bad back pain and pain in my hips, thighs and buttocks.
Gastro dr sent me to a rheumatologist to see if I had fibromyalgia. They did a spinal ct scan and found spinal arthritis. I'm only 42 and am concerned about this diagnosis. Does anybody have any experience with this? Are there things I can do now so that I won't end up disabled by this as I get older?

 

[poohandwendy]

Wow, I don't have any experience with anythinglike that...I guess I would just suggest doing some on-line research into it. Also, there are message boards for almost any topic, I'll bet you could find one for this. That would be where I would try. (hope that helps)

Sorry to hear you are going through this!

 

[Tiggeroo]

bump in case anybody has any suggestions

 

[teacherforhi]

I have arthritis in my lower four vertebrae and no one has ever mentioned anything special to do other than what I already do for the arthritis in the rest of my joints (knees, hip, fingers). I take Aleve and apply heat when it gets really bad.

 

[Virgo10]

I also have arthritis in my spine and have had the symptoms for nearly 35 years. While there's no cure all there are some things you can do.

Looking back, I think the reason I'm still on my feet (at least most days ) is because I kept on moving. I'm up doing things for as long as I can and then I rest until things improve. Even on the worst days, it's really important to stay mobile.

I've also noticed a great improvement since I moved to Florida. The hot damp muggies are tough in some ways but my back loves them.

Best of luck.

 

[Mskanga]

I have arthritis on my lower spine , I was just diagnosed with it this past winter but I have had osteoarthritis for the last 20 years. What I was told by my doctor aside from taking my anti-inflamatories was to keep moving , to try to learn exercises to strengthen my lower back . I have found that moving is the best for me , I told the doctor that I hoped he wouldn't tell me to quit skiing because I wouldn't and he said moving is the best I can do but he also told me to listen to my body and know my limitations.
So far so good. I wish I could move someplace warm year round though.