Re: I look like humpback of notre dame!!

[Guest guest]

Vickey - it could be PsA, RA or some kind of postural thing.  If it continues,

ask your rheumatologist about physical therapy.  I have a lot of neck/upper back

problems that affect my arms also because there are a lot of connections between

the two; and PT has helped enormously. 

 Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

Vickey, I am dealing with the exact same pain and numbness on my neck

and right side. My diagnosis is psoriatic arthritis with

osteoarthritis in my neck which is also called DJD - Degenerative Joint

Disease. I am placing heating pads on my neck, back & arm along with

taking prednisone for the inflammation. I have today off work and I

call my rheumy tomorrow to let him know if I have experienced any pain

relief or any increased mobility, which I have not yet. Keep in touch

Love,

[Guest guest]

Hi Vickey,

I am sorry to read that your neck has been bothering you.

I have the spondylitis form of PsA. For 14 years, I have had great

difficulty traveling in cars - especially if I drive. While driving, a

slight tingling pain usually begins in my hands. Catching myself

rubbing them is usually the first indication that I must stop driving.

This pain leads to greater tingling and more pronounced pain until it

makes it way up my arms and into my spine. This pain has been the most

severe that I have ever experienced. It once caused me to black out

while driving! As it turns out, the pain in my hands originates from

my spine.

When I must drive, I ice my back with bags of ice (or snow in winter)

up and down my spine. Most of the time, that keeps the joints of my

spine from swelling which, in turn keeps my muscles from straining to

protect my spine. As my spine and my muscles are more relaxed, there

is little pressure placed upon the cervical (lower neck) spinal nerves

that service my hands and arms. Note that I must ice the entire length

of my back, from my butt to my lower neck.

When dealing with the spine, it often helps to think of it as one unit

rather than a collection of segments: the spine is supported by short,

medium and long muscles that run its length. Whenever one part of a

person's spine is in distress, the " spinae " muscles contract to protect

it. As time progresses, the spine muscles from top to bottom can become

involved as they tighten to strengthen one another. This tightening can

eventually constrict spinal nerves as they exit your spine. When I

drive, my arms add extra vibration and tension to my already

compromised spine and the muscles that have tightened to support it.

Fibromyalgia often accompanies PsA with spinal involvement.

Over the long haul, " Core " exercises and a back rub may help, as may

walking (if your feet and knees will let you do it).

http://arthritis.about.com/od/exercise/Exercise_and_Arthritis_Exercises_

for_Arthritis_and_Fibromyalgia.htm

Of course, your issue may be different than mine: we are all unique.

Always discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Your symptoms may have

nothing to do with your PsA.

" skrewtz " <brentherman@...>

[Guest guest]

Hi Vickey,

Have you found out anything or has there been a change?

Brent

[Guest guest]

No there is no change..I am still in as much pain as ever..see rheumy on

12/22..Thank you for your concern..Vickey

<<From: skrewtz

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2008, 11:19 PM

Hi Vickey,

Have you found out anything or has there been a change? Brent>>