back pain

cruisedolly
cruisedolly Member Posts: 24
edited 5. Jun 2009, 13:19 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi, just been diagnosed with RA of hips a few weeks ago. Taking Naproxen and Co-codomal which seems to have eased the hip pain a lot. However, have been getting pain in my coxyx (lower back) if I sit around too long and also pains around the ankle area.

Went for checkup with Doctor today and he said the problem is my back - pain is travelling down the nerves and making my ankles hurt! Already bought a memory foam mattress and knee pillow for the hips, now have to buy a back pillow for my lumbar support. Costing me a fortune, lol!

Comments

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,900
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Cruisedolly
    Poor you :(
    Gp didn't suggest any treatment? Are you waiting to see a specialist? Your meds sound ok, but haven't you got any DMARDs for the RA?
    If it was me I would have to go back to GP unless you are due to see someone else soon. I do know how it feels though - like you are being a bit of a pain :(
    take care
    Toni x
  • cruisedolly
    cruisedolly Member Posts: 24
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry for the typo - it's OA of the hip, not RA.

    He's given me general advice re the back/ankle pain. Mainly lose weight, adopt the correct posture and use a cushion behind the back and sit upright in the chair. Have to report back on my progress.

    The OA pain of the hip has been a lot better with the co-codomol and the new mattress/knee pillow. Sleeping much better now whereas wasn't getting much sleep at all before.
  • heather1
    heather1 Member Posts: 75
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I could set up a shop with the amount of back products i have invested in over the last 4 years!

    I have also got a topper for my mattress which has helped abit at night.
    My hubby hated sleeping on it so i had to chop it in half.

    I don't know!
    The things we do eh?
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I have OA in my spine and sacral area and have absolutely dreadful pain in my coccyx. My meds are seriously heavy stuff but I am always forgetting them because they also make me forgetful and drowsy. My hubby bought me a few of those pill boxes with the Monday-Sunday on them and I'm not forgetting now.

    I find heat works best for me. A heat pad just above my coccyx at my lower back helps and is less likely in that position to come off. I always sit in the lotus position leaning forward as having spinal stenosis also this helps widen the canal to allow the nerves more room, it helps alot to get down on the floor for a while when I'm bad. It sounds as if you have similar symptoms to this when you say the pain travels to your ankles.

    Try to avoid lying on your back as this may aggrevate your pain. If you've ever been pregnant, the way you lie then with your leg over with a pillow and instead of one under your belly a pillow under your lower leg from the knee down and your foot on the pillow might help. I always sleep like this, it seems to take the strain off my spine. Also soft low chairs are bad for me. I hope that helps x