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Problems with Spine - Any connection to Fibromyalgia

Posted , 4 users are following.

famrosa
famrosa

I'm seeing my GP this week to ask for a Rheumatology referral.  Not sure if I do have Fibromyalgia, but I am sure I have a problems with my spine, particularly my cervical area (in the base of the neck) and my Lumbar region (the part of spine at my lower back and pelvic area).  

These areas get  hot and inflammed. I was wondering whether this condition could be the primary cause of my problems, or are they all included in Fibromyalgia.

Most of my symptoms seem to match the fibro condition but it's tricky to know until I am diagnosed properly.  

Anyone else have trouble with their spine?

I have just found out I have low iron levels - any connection?

I am aware that I am grasping at straws, but it's all I can do until I get answers.

 

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • kaz_40
    kaz_40 famrosa

    Posted

    Hi ela I was in alot of pain with my neck back and spine my gp sent me for an mri it showed I had arthritus in my neck back and spine area.I cant say if its linked in with fibro that is something you could ask your gp if it is she refers you to a rheumatologist who confirms it is fibro you have. sorry I couldnt be of any more help to you take care let us know how it goes with your gp
    • famrosa
      famrosa kaz_40

      Posted

      Thank kaz 40, Had MRI week  on neck last week, but won't get results until september, when I see the neurologist who ordered the scan. But blood tests  ordered by GP for Arthritis have come back normal.
    • Maggers
      Maggers famrosa

      Posted

      You can ask that the report is sent to your GP. I phoned the hospital when I had my follow up appointment cancelled and they actually sent me the MRI report. Didn't mean a thing to me so I took it to the GP who explained it. Worth a phone call to the secretary to see if they can do it. September is too long to wait.
    • famrosa
      famrosa Maggers

      Posted

      Hi Maggers, thanks so much I'm going to do it now.

      Will let you know

      x

    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 famrosa

      Posted

      Hi ela I agree with maggers sept is too long to wait, what I have done in the past is speak to the secretary of which ever specialist Ive seen and asked for the test result. I wasnt prepared to wait weeks on end for the results it was causeing me too much anxiety I found with each every test I had all came back normal thats when my gp  refered me a rheumatologist after more tests he finally diagnosed fibro. so I wouldnt be at all surprised if your tests did all come back normal. 
  • TeresaJS
    TeresaJS famrosa

    Posted

    Hi Ela.

    With those symptoms two of the first things to rule out are scoliosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It's therefore too soon to know if it's fibromyalgia. Low ferritin causes tiredness so it worsens the symptoms. 

    Red & Hot is usually a rheumatoid arthritis symptom.

    See if some Epsom Salts baths could help you while you wait for answers. 

    Take care. Teresa. 

    • famrosa
      famrosa TeresaJS

      Posted

      Hi TeresaJS,

      I recently had blood tests through my GP for Arthritis and they have come back normal. My GP has been a bit dismissive when it comes to a rheumatologist referral but I will insist when I see her again on Thrusday.

      Many Thanks

    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 famrosa

      Posted

      you need to really push your dr for a rheumatologist appointment so you can get fibro ruled in or out write down how your feeling what your symptoms are good luck for thursday hope your dr will refer you she should do take care gentle hugssmile
  • Maggers
    Maggers famrosa

    Posted

    Hi Ela

    I have neck pain - saw a chiropractor for years before diagnosis. MRI showed discs were dehydrated in neck. I have similar pain in lower back. Heat pads  help as does the good old epsom salts bath.  You really do need a rheumatologist to diagnose exactly what is going on.  Good luck with your appointment on Thursday. Keep us posted

    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 Maggers

      Posted

      I have disc trouble in my lower back and arthritus in my neck back spine I use a hot water bottle on my back that eases it a bit ohh to be pain free I live in hope take care gentle hugs
  • charlotte1824
    charlotte1824 famrosa

    Posted

    Yes to the neck issues but my mri showed dehydrated c5/c6 and mild compression but was told normal for my age. I had very low iron levels originally when just not feeling right and exhausted was one of my first symptoms that spiralled into pain, I was also deficient vit d and low but not deficient b12. All deficiencies been corrected now and although I'm not as tired as I used to be it hasn't sorted the pain and I'm still fatigued.

    Good luck at the rheumy, i hope I get some answers

  • sharon53053
    sharon53053 famrosa

    Posted

    Hi Ela, I have osteoarthritis in my cervical and lumbar spine with degenerative changes, confirmed with an MRI scan. I also have fibromyalgia, diagnosed by a rheumatologist. From the research I have done and the discussions I have followed here the symptoms you describe, which I also have, appear to be very common. I have problems with numbness and pins and needles in my arms, particularly my left arm which can sometimes feel heavy, like a lead weight. I also have a protrusion at L5 / S1. This is pressing on the sciatic nerve causing pain and numbness in my lower left leg and foot. My left foot is partially paralysed, I now have a lot of nerve pain in my foot and lower leg and have to use a pair of crutches to move around. None of the clinicians I have seen have been able to tell me how long this problem may go on for or whether or not it will be permanent ! I would really appreciate any advice anyone might have. Stay strong, I hope things go well for you.
    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 sharon53053

      Posted

      Hi sharon I have a protrusion at l5/s1. its also causing pain numbess in my left leg and foot. I have to walk with a stick around the house or walking frame my husband has to push me around a in a wheel chair. last year I was bed ridden for 6 months very ill and unable to walk a physio came out to see me he got me doing exercises and helped to get me back  on my feet but he told me straight that my mobility would not improve and it hasnt its got worse. but we are all different things may or may not improve for you its a case of taking things 1 stepa t a time and just seeing how things go fibro varies from person to person and how extreme it is from 1 person to the next. hope this has helped a bit take care
    • sharon53053
      sharon53053 kaz_40

      Posted

      Hi Kaz, thanks for your reply, I do think that because I have had this problem for 6 months now without any improvement it may well be permanent,not sure how long I'm supposed to wait until this is clinically acknowledged ! It always helps to know that we are not alone. Take care & be well.
    • kaz_40
      kaz_40 sharon53053

      Posted

      when I told my gp what he had said she was surprised, but he turned out to be right. but Iknew myself as I could tell my legs wernt right and that they were very weak we know our bodies better than any 1 take care gentle hugs 
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