Re: RA & neck pain?

[Guest guest]

OK, I'm frustrated and have had 2 dr.s tell me 2

different things, so would like to hear what you all

know.

My neck has been steadily getting worse since being

off enbrel and MTX (lots of pain, creaking, grinding,

grating, sandpaper noises right up at the base of my

skull). I've had trouble with this on and off for

years, along with my non-existant jaw joints, and

assumed it was my RA. All this went away w/ the RA

meds, AND I got my movement back.

Yesterday my neck didn't move AT ALL...I had to turn

my whole body to look sideways. I didn't go to the

dr. because I had a training I had to be at for

work...school's starting soon. But I called the Dr

and finally got to talk to someone today.

THEY said it's not related to RA. That RA rarely

affects the neck. They said it was a muscle...until I

mentioned all the noise up there.

What do you all know from your experience?

Thanks--

Rie

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Rie

I am new to this group so I'm glad I can get started with something

I'm a little familiar with. As you, my neck has slowly gotten worse

after coming off of the Remicade, but I have increased the dosage of

MTX to 20 mgs. My RD seemed to be very concerned with my neck once I

told him what was going on. I have very limited rotation of my neck

from side to side and have trouble keeping my head stationary for

long periods of time. (5-6 mins.) HE seemed to be convinced that it

was RA related and ordered x-rays immediately. That was only 2 days

ago. He didn't comment on how rare RA was in the neck but did tell

me that it can destroy the synovial joints between the base of the

skull and C1. Anyway, get to your doc as soon as possible and let

them know what's going on. Good Luck!

--- In Rheumatoid Arthritis , Rie <ravencache@y...>

wrote:

> OK, I'm frustrated and have had 2 dr.s tell me 2

> different things, so would like to hear what you all

> know.

>

> My neck has been steadily getting worse since being

> off enbrel and MTX (lots of pain, creaking, grinding,

> grating, sandpaper noises right up at the base of my

> skull). I've had trouble with this on and off for

> years, along with my non-existant jaw joints, and

> assumed it was my RA. All this went away w/ the RA

> meds, AND I got my movement back.

>

> Yesterday my neck didn't move AT ALL...I had to turn

> my whole body to look sideways. I didn't go to the

> dr. because I had a training I had to be at for

> work...school's starting soon. But I called the Dr

> and finally got to talk to someone today.

>

> THEY said it's not related to RA. That RA rarely

> affects the neck. They said it was a muscle...until I

> mentioned all the noise up there.

>

> What do you all know from your experience?

>

> Thanks--

> Rie

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

RA may or may not affect the spine but closely related kinds of arthritis like Psoriatic Arthritis can affect the spine. You might need to go to a neurologist to find out just what is happening but it definitely needs attention. The treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis is about the same as for RA so you need to be on medication if you have PA (or RA). You also need a doctor who will consider other things than what you are currently diagnosed with. God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: Rie

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 6:28 PM

Subject: Re: RA & neck pain?

OK, I'm frustrated and have had 2 dr.s tell me 2different things, so would like to hear what you allknow.My neck has been steadily getting worse since beingoff enbrel and MTX (lots of pain, creaking, grinding,grating, sandpaper noises right up at the base of myskull). I've had trouble with this on and off foryears, along with my non-existant jaw joints, andassumed it was my RA. All this went away w/ the RAmeds, AND I got my movement back.Yesterday my neck didn't move AT ALL...I had to turnmy whole body to look sideways. I didn't go to thedr. because I had a training I had to be at forwork...school's starting soon. But I called the Drand finally got to talk to someone today.THEY said it's not related to RA. That RA rarelyaffects the neck. They said it was a muscle...until Imentioned all the noise up there. What do you all know from your experience?Thanks--Rie__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I dont know why you were off your meds firstly. Secondly if you are experiencing more stiffness and less mobility, it is most certainly inflammation from RA in your cervical spine. Remember too that when shoulders are in a flare, your muscles will sieze up to protect the joint. You can have symptoms in any bone, from jaw to toe and everything in between. Get back on your meds, especially if you are working!!! If the Dr. says it isnt RA, get a new RD.. These doctors sometimes. Yikes. Run dont walk to your nearest Pharmacist or Infusion center. Be well all, Deborah

[Guest guest]

The RA part of the neck problem might be AAS - atlanto axial sublaxation. That may help you to find the info.

Annette

On 8/23/05, Rie <ravencache@...> wrote:

OK, I'm frustrated and have had 2 dr.s tell me 2different things, so would like to hear what you all

know.My neck has been steadily getting worse since beingoff enbrel and MTX (lots of pain, creaking, grinding,grating, sandpaper noises right up at the base of myskull). I've had trouble with this on and off for

years, along with my non-existant jaw joints, andassumed it was my RA. All this went away w/ the RAmeds, AND I got my movement back.Yesterday my neck didn't move AT ALL...I had to turnmy whole body to look sideways. I didn't go to the

dr. because I had a training I had to be at forwork...school's starting soon. But I called the Drand finally got to talk to someone today.THEY said it's not related to RA. That RA rarelyaffects the neck. They said it was a muscle...until I

mentioned all the noise up there. What do you all know from your experience?Thanks--Rie__________________________________________________