Osteoarthritis/spine

ChristineR55

Hi, I have OA in my knees, hands, feet and spine. I have been told it is the facet joints. I am getting upper back pain daily when doing tasks that involve looking down and standing so cooking cleaning, gardening shopping, sewing, writing etc, I think some of it can be attributed to being overweight and having bad posture but I have lost 1st 5lbs and there has been no improvement. I have tried over the counter and prescription painkillers and so far nothing has helped. I saw Rheumatology 2 years ago and they confirmed OA and at the time I was managing with OTC painkillers, however my symptoms have deteriorated over the last 2 years. In may I went to see the GP who prescribed Co-dydramol, which didn't work and I have also tried Amitriptyline on a low dose but if I increase I have total brain fog, I was told to go up to 30mg but only went up to 20mg and the brain fog was awful and it did nothing for the pain. My GP sent me for ex-rays of hands and feet , she said that is used as a benchmark and the results said moderate to severe OA.

I now have another appointment with the GP but am unsure what to ask for next, would it be Rheumatology again? Orthopaedics ? Do I try different pain killers or enquire about injections. The NHS physio said nothing more can be done for facet joints apart from manage the pain.

I do 4 exercise classes a week (Zumba gold and standing pilates) and have just started to some core strengthening daily at home. I am 69. Several people have recommended CBD oil but I don't know a lot about it. Any advice appreciated.

Naomi33

Morning @ChristineR55

Sorry to hear your concerns about OA and your new journey on search for the right pain relief.

I personally did and would take photos and keep a diary of pain to show the doctor /consultant as evidence they should advise you of what is the next stage.

I have tried CBD oil but had no effect everyone is different and I have tried all sorts over the years that people have recommended.

I had co-dyrdramol to at the beginning but upset my stomach.

I am still trialling methotrexate but again not suiting me (liver problems) sadly not a one fix answer and again no two people are the same.

The following link maybe of interest…..

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-foot-and-ankle/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/your-experiences/your-questions-answered/your-questions-on-pain-relief/

Best wishes @Naomi33