PA in the Spine

[Guest guest]

Hi Gordon,

I unknowingly had PA in my lower back for years and it is now

starting in my neck. This year is my first major flare up and I'm

debating about talking to my rheumatologist about going on something

stronger than NSAIDs. The pain in my back is worse when a storm

front comes in. I was near Chicago visiting relatives for our

Thanksgiving holidays. I could hardly walk the day after

Thanksgiving, the pain was so bad. To top it off, it seems to

affect my intestines. I get intestinal pains that rival the labor

pains of childbirth when my back acts up. I'm seeing a specialist

to see if they are related or separate issues.

I'm sorry to hear all that you've been through. Take care and best

wishes for the holidays, Diane

[Guest guest]

Gordon,Thank you and all who have replied to my post.I

have an appointment again in 2 weeks I will suggest

that.Also I am a C.N.A.and it does not help when it

comes to the jarring of my body.But good news today

thoe I applied for a new position where I work as a

rehab-Tech.I excepted the position today.I loved being

a C.N.A. but my body did not I have done it for 16

years.The new job will be better on my body.Sorry so

long and Thank you all again Darlene

--- gordon eliott <geliott@...> wrote:

> Darlene and Susy B,

>

> I do not know why a rheumatologist would think PA in

> the spine is strange. It is one of the areas which

> distinguishes PA. I have it the entire length of

> the spine, with some reactive lipping of nearly all

> the vertabrae, inflammation of the facet joints, and

> after 24 years many degenerative complications. Do

> not think this would be the prognosis for you, with

> the marvellous new drugs currently and in the

> future, prospects look brighter. If the pain

> becomes real bad, ask your rheumatologist to refer

> you to a pain management specialist. One technique

> a pain management specialist has used for me five

> times now is Radio Frequency Neurotomy which

> comprises desensitizing certain spinal nerves by

> burning them with high frequency radio waves. The

> length of time pain relief is obtained varies from

> individual to individual and how quickly the nerves

> regenerate, but six months can be hoped for and I

> have been told some people get about eighteen months

> relief. The first time I had it done it lasted

> nearly six months but my most recent one in March

> this year was barely two months. I guess it is

> because, as the spine continues to degenerate, more

> and more nerves are transmitting pain messages to

> the brain.

>

> Regards, Gordon

>

>

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