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Lower Back Pain, Morning Stiffness, Shoulder Pain, Have Flare Ups. What Is Going On?
Yes. I am a 42 year old female and I have been suffering from lower back pain as well as pain between my shoulders. I also suffer from severe morning stiffness and often force my self to move in order to feel better. I have been on various medications to control the pain but nothing seems to help. Its almost like I have flare ups. and each time this happens It also seems to put me back at the eye doctor due to my glasses no longer being strong enough. I am not sure what is going on but, this has been happening for the last 5 years.
Mon, 30 Sep 2013
Hi and thanks for the query,
The symptoms you present make me think of a rheumatologic disease. the commonest that does presents itself as such is polymyalgia rheumatica. Thsi is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, especially proximal, accompanied by body weakness and pain, and fevers and malaise at times. I suggest you get a test for level of inflammation called an erythrocyte sedimentation rate done. Testing for the rheumatoid factor, C3 and C4, HLA27 are common tests that could direct towards any other possible inflammatory process. X rays could be asked based on the clinical assessment of your doctor.
I suggest you consult your family physician for a complete and detailed physical examination and appropriate tests. kind regards.
Bain LE, MD
The symptoms you present make me think of a rheumatologic disease. the commonest that does presents itself as such is polymyalgia rheumatica. Thsi is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, especially proximal, accompanied by body weakness and pain, and fevers and malaise at times. I suggest you get a test for level of inflammation called an erythrocyte sedimentation rate done. Testing for the rheumatoid factor, C3 and C4, HLA27 are common tests that could direct towards any other possible inflammatory process. X rays could be asked based on the clinical assessment of your doctor.
I suggest you consult your family physician for a complete and detailed physical examination and appropriate tests. kind regards.
Bain LE, MD
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