Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.
I am 42 , when I was 23 I was diagnosed with having Arthritis in my neck, back between my L5-L6-L7 and in my torso. I have lived with pain since I was diagnosed and took my uncle's advice about working on my core rather than medicating and numbing the pain. For the most part I can tolerate even the bad days. But I am concerned because my doctor is not egger to diagnose the type of arthritis I have. I don't even know that it makes any different but my family genes aren't the best. In fact we have degenerate bone disease that run in the family. I have one uncle who is almost crippled and another who passed away 2 years ago to cancer found in his back which the doctors believe may have started as arthritis forming (he never went to the doctor so by the time we found the tumor in his back it was way to late, he passed 5 weeks later).
My concern is......when should I really start address an actual diagnosed type of arthritis?
And outside of core exercises, heat in the form of bath and heating pad and stretching what else does everyone else do to maintain the pain?
I have noticed as well that I have been developing more knots in my lower back, and that my neck has been swelling more?
My concern is......when should I really start address an actual diagnosed type of arthritis?
And outside of core exercises, heat in the form of bath and heating pad and stretching what else does everyone else do to maintain the pain?
I have noticed as well that I have been developing more knots in my lower back, and that my neck has been swelling more?
The Rheumy tested me for RA, Lupus, Lymes, all the other inflamatory diseases, i was only positive to Lupus. I am taking anti malarial drugs for that, and Celebrex for the arthritis pain.
You should take fish oil, my Rheumy has me taking 3,000 mg of "form Triglyceride" fish oil, it is sold by Nordic Natuals. I hav taken fish oil in the past, but this is the best so far. She also has me taking "Cosamin DS" to support what is left of my cartilage.
As far as artheritis, I have it in my cervical and upper back, but not much in my lumbar. All of the discs are degenerated in the upper back. No wonder I have a back ache!
Another thing to try is Hatha yoga, simple poses, that will help hydrate the joints and give you back some range of motion. Better to get instruction on this, so you don't hurt yourself...
Good luck!