I feel your pain Kate! At times you feel so let down by medical professionals who can't help. I have been admitted to hospital so many times with pain in my ribs back and chest.. yet all i get are tests needles prods and pokes and no solution or explanation for the cause of my pain. They just give us pain relief and wait til we have calmed down then send us home again. It is very frustrating espcially when your pain is so unbearable and you're screaming in agony like a mad woman. I've been there a lot! Voice out to your Doctors EVERY time you are in agony. Keep at them.. ring them.. text them.. leave messages and voicemails.. keep in their ear til they eventually do their jobs and help you. Don't give up til someone listens to you. You come first always.. who cares what anybody else thinks you keep raising your concerns because it's your body and your health on the line.. only you know your pain so stay strong and keep at it sister! Hope someone can give you some helpful answers to give you some form of relief.. Stay blessed :)

I was experiencing a lot of rib n back pain,n was diagnosed with pluiersy,an infection in the lining of the lungs.I actually thought somehow I had broke some ribs,but with antibiotics it finally went away. Don't know if it's RA related or not

I also have pulmonary fibrosis ,caused from RA,but mainly just short of breath,no pain

http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/where-...

looks like it usually does not but it can.

I've always understood that RA doesn't affect your spine. I have severe osteoarthritis in my neck.