Arthritis of the Spine in my 40s

[Anonymous]

I am having a lot of pain in my thoracic spine. Turns out, I have arthritis in my spine. This is just the beginning of this journey. I’m wondering how people manage the pain? What do you use both medically and non medically?

[Anonymous]

Sorry to hear this. My DD got this as a teenager. She took Celebrex but has never taken the DMARDS, preferring to treat it with a lot of PT and exercise. Her doctor was conservative with biologics, but now she has another condition and will surely end up on one.

Swimming is a great exercise for spinal arthritis.

[Anonymous]

Are you a former gymnast or tumbling cheerleader?

[Anonymous]

40s with cervical arthritis. I swear by PT. I had a nasty flare up of nerve pain and several months of PT and regular home exercises have made such a big difference in my pain and mobility. Have not medicated yet.

[Anonymous]

Who does your PT?

[Anonymous]

I have RA that has recently moved to my cervical spine. Another plug for PT. I bought that professional-grade electrocution machine, which helps immensely too!

(I’m also on a bunch of drugs too.)

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry, OP.

Something random that helped my knee arthritis pain that I hope might be useful…at the end of a warm shower, blast with very cold water on the affeceted area. Kind of like a mini cold plunge. It “buys me time” between needing to use ice packs or take ibuprofen.

I’m really sorry and I hope you find relief, strategies, and comfort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have RA that has recently moved to my cervical spine. Another plug for PT. I bought that professional-grade electrocution machine, which helps immensely too!

(I’m also on a bunch of drugs too.)

Can you post a link?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have RA that has recently moved to my cervical spine. Another plug for PT. I bought that professional-grade electrocution machine, which helps immensely too!

(I’m also on a bunch of drugs too.)

Can you post a link?

https://www.zynex.com/products/nexwave/

You need an RX. My PT worked with my Rheumatologist to get the prescription (I don’t know who signed it—my rheumatology clinic has in-house PT).

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

PT. My doctor said that basically everyone will have signs of arthritis on an xray after 40, so don’t take it that seriously.

[Anonymous]

Definitely PT and then consistent weight lifting.

After struggling for years and trying all the things, this is the ONLY thing that has actually helped. YMMV.

[Anonymous]

My Dh has this and has had issues since he was in his late 20s / early 30s. He is now 50.

He runs every morning 2-4 miles. He keeps his weight down. If he twists to one side and triggers a problem he takes a 200mg ibuprophen and carries on somewhat more carefully.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PT. My doctor said that basically everyone will have signs of arthritis on an xray after 40, so don’t take it that seriously.

I’m taking the pain seriously. It’s ruining my life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PT. My doctor said that basically everyone will have signs of arthritis on an xray after 40, so don’t take it that seriously.

I’m taking the pain seriously. It’s ruining my life.

Spinal arthritis is a common name for an autoimmune disease, spondyloarthritis. This is distinct from wear and tear osteoarthritis that comes with age.

I am pretty OP is referring to the autoimmune variety--and, yes, this is known as a painful disease.