myRAteam

Lower back pain is actually quite common among people with RA — you're definitely not alone in this! A myRAteam member shared, "I got a cortisone shot. It took the severity of the pain away and helped me be able to get around a little more without hurting so much. It really eased the pain to a bearable stage."

Around 64% of Show Full Answer

Lower back pain is actually quite common among people with RA — you're definitely not alone in this! A myRAteam member shared, "I got a cortisone shot. It took the severity of the pain away and helped me be able to get around a little more without hurting so much. It really eased the pain to a bearable stage."

Around 64% of people with RA report chronic lower back pain. While RA most directly affects the upper neck area of the spine, lower back pain can still be connected to RA in a few ways:

- Arthritis in the feet, hips, or knees can put extra strain on the back
- Some RA medications, like steroids, can contribute to back discomfort
- General inflammation from RA can affect overall comfort levels There are several treatment options worth discussing with your rheumatologist, including:

- NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for mild pain
- Corticosteroid injections for more persistent pain
- Physical therapy to strengthen back muscles
- Heat or cold packs for at-home relief during flares
- DMARDs or biologics to manage overall RA disease activity

It's always a good idea to bring up your back pain specifically with your rheumatologist so they can determine the exact cause and tailor a treatment plan for you.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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