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Driving and Spinal OA Pain

Posted , 4 users are following.

Nyxks
Nyxks

This is something that I am wondering about and will be bringing up to my Rheumatologist at my next appointment in March 2017. 

I've noticed that I can walk easly enough on sand with dogs (minor pain) but yet driving starts a flair up like crazy (or even taking public transportation for that matter). Did a grocery run today and before the run walked a few dogs (I do dog walking to earn extra income) which I've been doing for the past two weeks without any major flair up (like I currently am in). 

I noticed today after driving for 5 minutes my lower back started to spazem, and the longer the drive the more pain I started to be in. Once we got to the grocery store, it was about 15 minuts into the shopping that my feet started to shufle because I can hardly move my legs because I can bearly feel them though the pain in my lower back (it hits the point that I wont to scream and cry). 

My husband puts a little pressure on my lower spine and helps a little but ofcourse it doesn't stop the pain lowers it down to a level that I can at least continue to shuffle along (but I can't let go of the cart without hitting the ground). 

I'm wondering if there are other's out there who have this issue with their Spinal OA, my RA made it sound like it was nothing major that it was all a minor issue that wasn't that big a deal. But I'm starting to think there is more to it then it being a minor issue when its effecting my ability to walk and even drive. 

I'm sitting here, trying to breath through the pain as there isn't anything I can take to take the edge off of it and wondering if this is more then Spinal OA  going on.

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • loxie
    loxie Nyxks

    Posted

    I too have spinal arthritis - mine is upper spine.  Your difficulty with sitting and particularly driving may be due to a trapped nerve. If your discs have dislodged at all, this can give rise to pressure on a nerve when in a particular position.  As you dont have the same issues when walking on uneven ground with your dogs, it doesnt sound like the cartilage inflammation of the OA is causing this specific issue.  Ask your doctor if a further test (MRI/ultrasound) etc., would be able to identify the cause.  My partner has occasional problems with sciatica which results in the same sort of symptoms and he can only find relief lying flat on a hard surface when it flares up.
    • Nyxks
      Nyxks loxie

      Posted

      It was an MRI and Xray that diagnosed me with Spinal OA though a neurologist in June of 2016 (after a year of things starting to become painful more painful). But I can easily ask my GP for another (not sure my RA will think it's necessary) to see what is going on. 

      I wish lying down helped unfortunately in that position it's my neck/shoulders that start pinching up and causing issues (I've spinal OA in upper and lower spine) similar to when I'm sitting or standing for long periods of time. With the upper spinal OA it can leave me unable to move from the neck down when things get pinched (this is what first sent me seeking answers to what was going on just over two years ago). 

    • loxie
      loxie Nyxks

      Posted

      the fact that you have such discomfort in a particular position really does sound like something is trapping or pinching a nerve, I would definitely recommend going back to the doctor and being very specific about it - I've found that once they diagnose OA, they stop listening to you about any other possible causes for certain symptoms even though it may be something that is acute and can be alleviated supplemental to the OA issues. 

    • Nyxks
      Nyxks loxie

      Posted

      yes, i found that my RA stopped listening reOA after he told me I have Fibro ... was told everyone develops OA in the spine (yet i'm under 40 and not very over weight).

      At least my GP listens to me or it feels like she does at least - thanks so yes I'll be getting in contact with her to see what she can do for me. 

  • philip49799
    philip49799 Nyxks

    Posted

    Please get a second opinion at least as this sounds awful for you. 
  • beth2509
    beth2509 Nyxks

    Posted

    I have the opposite problem! The driving is easy, the walking hard. My specialist had been trying out tablets for neuropathic pain. These did help a bit, but unfortunately the  occurrence of other mobility limiting conditions mean that they've had to suspend the treatment of this until the other stuff is sorted out - I had hip  replaced last November and I'm now waiting for ankle reconstruction. But it might be worth asking whether these treatments will help you. 

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