Rheumatoid 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. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
After having my son, I have had this faint pain in my mid back that I have always attributed to lifting him. It comes and goes, or at least me noticing comes and goes. Sometimes it is worse than others. Now I am scared it was RA all the time. It is right on my spine between my shoulder blades and it hurts more when I rub it, but then it sort of releases the pain. I plan to bring it up at my rheumy apt next month, but does anyone know what type of test would be done to see if there is damage? MRI?
51percent will know a good bit on this I bet.
Either way, I'd recommend laying flat on your back with a heating pad right there. Every night before you go to bed and 15min before you get out of bed. See if it helps.
Although I'm a spiney, several areas of problematic disc & SI joint.
I do have pain where your describing. Not sure if it's a secondary type deal coming off the cervical but it's always been an area that can cause me pain.
MRIs are the most common test used to determine spinal problems.
Lot of muscular type pain in that area also.
RA Sally made a good point in regards to the spine, doctors & RA.
There are plenty of medical disagreements on line over the topic of RA & the spine.
Although there are exceptions such as the SI joint.
Can only speak from personal experience & my spine has went down hill since RA came into the picture. My PM doctor believes the entire cervical spine is at risk with RA. Especially with pre existing problems.
My sister has RA & has had for years. Her entire cervical spine is compromised with one surgery done to stabilize the first 3 discs. She's holding back on more surgery.
Like so many things I wonder at times if they can be 100% posative about RA & spinal involvement. With so much inflammation it can't be good.
Get it checked out. It's the only way you can be sure. like with most health problems the sooner you catch it the better. Not to mention peace of mind knowing one way or the other.
Moist heat & ice both can provide relief for me. For whatever reason ice provides more relief when it comes to my spine.
They also make TENS units more accessible for patients. They can help in many cases. Many doctors order PT to see if it improves.
Be careful lifting when you can. Don't let the doctors blow it off. You obvious have concerns that need to be addressed.
Good luck & let us know if & when you get some answers.
Sammy
He takes great care of my messed up back since before the RA diagnosis. 40% or so of the population have some back trouble and 1% of the population is diagnosed with RA. Good chance it's not related.