Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Upper back pain

I'm going through a nasty aggravation of upper back pain at the moment - not helped by not being able to take NSAIDs because of a flare of gastritis. With me it does come in flares, so doesn't have to be there all the time. It also is definitely aggravated by the way I use my body.

Thanks Inkyfingers for that link to exercises. I do some of that stuff, but really good to see some other things that can realistically be done during the working day that will help.

So for me its a combination of trying to use my body better, and keeping inflammation down, and just being aware that it does come in phases and flares. Right now, like you though, it hurts like h**l.

Great stretches Louise. I sent em off to my physio, though they are pretty much what he gave me to do last Wed (after my horrendous costo flare) - with LOTS of breathing exercises thrown in. He advised doing every hour. Must say that I feel better already.

cemc - also had a gastritis attack with projectile vominating - mind you I had taken an antiinflammatory... Sigh.

Mike, first of all I'm so, so sorry for your loss. My heart just goes out to you. It must be such a hard time right now. I hope you are getting as much caring support as you can, although I know there's nothing that can take away the heartache.
But in terms of your physical pain, my back pain would last several weeks, or a few weeks, or even a few days. One thing I forgot to mention that helps is massage. For a while I did not ever get massages, because I had had some bad luck in the past and the massage therapist would massage a bit too heavily, and I would end up feeling achey. Since my diagnosis, I found someone who is very gentle and works with me to get it right. I should go more often but it is expensive, but money well spent! Getting massages more often but shorter in duration may be just the thing for you!
Best wishes for you,

I am so sorry to hear of your losses, too, Erika - this type of pain is so much more "painful"...I'm available, too, for you.

So sorry to learn of the news of your partner Mick - missed your earlier note. Many sympathies -

Molly C (France)

So sorry for your recent loss Mick. I am still reeling from 5 family death's in 2 month's myself. While stress doesn't help, it is probably just the nature of the beast. I have had this disease for a long time and have experienced all of the above and tried all of the above. Mine is constant now and I do what I can to feel comfortable. I take Percocet, Humira and Sulphasalazine and take bath's and have a heating pad and do stretching. It is full time work. It didn't used to be all of the time except for in the winter. Now it is winter and I can't stand to go outside of the house. I just freeze up. We have tried to sell our home for the past 4 year's and we have only had two looker's. We want to move somewhere hot because that is when I feel the best. Dry and hot! I feel like a normal in that kind of weather. I am where it is damp and wet and cold 10 month's out of the year. You are not alone in this.

Hi and welcome.
I too am sorry for your loss and wanted to add to what everyone else has said. No it is not all in your head.
I have a terrible time with my upper back of late.
I know from ct scans that there are issues with my upper back but am still questioning if it is the arthitic changes that are causing the pain or if it has to do with the way I have changed my posture to relieve some of the lower back pain, not to mention the falls from dodgy knees. Or all of the above.
But you are definately not alone.

All the best.

I have a similar thing too. Everyday for the last year or so about 10 o'clock in the moring get a burning/aching/tingling feeling off the spine just below the should blades. Lasts the rest of the day. Wake up the next morning feeling ok, then comes back full force. I've had it before, but it was intermittent. Now it's constant. Nothing relieves it at all. Hot showers feel the best. Keep up the fight. So sorry to hear about your loss. Jason.