Hi Beth,

Sorry to hear about your back - just what you need when you have RA to contend with!

I have had a bad lower back since my teens but when I was first diagnosed with RA last year my consultant was quite concerned about my lower back and the possibility of Ankylosing Spondylitis so she referred my for an MRI scan. The results didn't show any RA related problems, just the dodgy discs I already knew about but it definitely joins in the chorus when my other joints are bad.

It could be that you're really altering your posture when other joints are bad and putting extra strain on your back, see if you can see a pattern such as bad back after particularly bad knees or after favouring a particular side when one arm is bad. I'd definitely recommend talking to your rheumy about it and maybe ask to see an occupational therapist if you think it's because of posture.

I haven't had any infusion drugs yet so can't comment there. I hope you get it sorted soon, back pain's just horrible

Vicky xx

Hi Ladies,

I too have been suffering with a very painful lower back. I too have been wondering why I have back ache as I didn't think it was part of RA as back problems are quite rare, so I read, but 'bugger' it hurts, but not the same pain as a flare up.?

Stay well everyone
Trace xx

Hi Beth, hmmm back problems, we always get told that it cant be the RA as "it doesnt affect your back" but loads of us suffer from it. I just got told its due to posture, because of RA affecting my feet, ankles knees and hips, it alters the way you walk. I have a physio appt on Monday so I will ask my physiotherapist her opinion. Seems that lots of us suffer this though

Well, I don't know who has been telling you guys you don't get RA in your back?!

It may be less common perhaps, as RA initially and more usually attacks the smaller joints of the hands and feet, but anywhere there is a joint surrounded by a synovial membrane can become victim to RA. As others have said a more likely cause is perhaps poor posture which can lead to back, neck and hip problems. Always worth getting it checked out to be certain and posture problems can often be easily remedied!

Lyn x