Hello, spinal arthritis and crutches

ZomVee

Hi all

This is my first post on the board so first of all, hello

I had results of a lower back MRI today and they said I have arthritis. They didn’t say type. But she mentioned wear & tear. We talked about the neck and shoulder pain I have too. She said due to the severity of my symptoms I have been referred to the specialist at the spinal team. It as a telephone conversation and in hindsight I wish I had asked more but I’ll have to make an appt.

I have been using a crutch occasionally as sometimes my lower back pain is awful, it’s permanent but at times my back goes and I have incredible pain that radiates across my back and at times I need help to get up. Something to hold to keep balance. I don’t drive. I work full time and have two school age children. I do a lot on foot. I am going to try and overcome the embarrassment I feel when using crutches and just get on with it.

Does anyone have experience of using crutches with spinal arthritis and find it helpful? (I know the importance of using them properly)

Thanks

[Deleted User]

Hi zomvee
Welcome to the forum sorry you are going through a lot at the moment we understand what you are going through as everyone here has a form of arthritis.
We are a very friendly and sympathetic group of people.
All forums are good but the most popular forums are Living with Arthritis and Chit Chat.
So just pick a forum and start chatting you will soon get a reply.
All the best Christine

dreamdaisy

I can understand why you might feel a little self-conscious but if you start looking around you will see how many people use them (usually for temporary stuff admittedly but even so).

I always used two (my arthritis is different to yours) and regarded them as purely for balance and stability, never support. I always bought my own as I preferred the kind with the shaped grips and walked like a quadruped, right crutch forward with left leg, then left crutch forward with right, I ensured that I maintained in upright posture and did my best to heel=toe walk.

Good luck, I hope you find it makes a positive difference to matters. DD

Claire89

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis then some years later psoriatic arthritis now this past year I have been the same as yourself unable to get up, stand or sit for long periods and use crutch sometimes as am young and still have 2 young kids. I've had to stop work just now. I had scans I have wear and a part is bone on bone so now they're querying osteoarthritis but I need to wait for my appointment. I already have my jaw wearing and that feels worse now aswell as my right hand deformed and barely usable but nothing compares to the pain in my lower back.
I'm not much help to helping with pain but can relate to everything you've said.

Claire89

I also can only use 1 crutch as I can't hold the other with my right hand as it bent, when I use the 1 it makes me knackered stiff and sore but it helps with balance and something to hold me up