Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Neck fusion congenital?

First off hi, I'm new to the website (and AS)! I hope this makes sense, I'm typing with a migraine and crazy nausea...

My neck pain began in 2001-2001 when I was 21-22 yrs old. I've went to my chiro monthly since then. I've had lower back pain only since early 2011 when I was pregnant with my 2nd child.

I recently went to the RA who did an x-ray on my neck and pelvis as well as an MRI on my SI joints. The x-ray of my pelvis was normal so she ordered the MRI on my SI joints which ended up showing the beginning stages of AS.

The x-ray on my neck came back with "partial congenital fusion of C4-C5 with a rudimentary disc and waisting of the vertebral bodies" but she did not order an MRI for my neck.

I'm curious why they would KNOW the fusion in my neck is congenital and not from the AS?

Also, why wouldn't they do an MRI on my neck then?

She sent me for physical therapy and it only says "back pain" on the script. My neck pain is bad and maybe even worse than my back pain...

My dr is out until monday but I do plan on asking her....(I'm super sick on MTX so hoping she'll see me soon too)

Thanks!
Kelly

Hi Kelly and Welcome

It took me 12 years to get diagnosed and treated, but it took my aunt 50, so I shouldn't complain.

My path to diagnosis and treatment was long and convoluted, why they did or didn't do certain tests never made a lot of sense. If they didn't see anything abnormal on the X-rays, they didn't tend to go any further with the MRIs, until I had a doctor that thought the opposite, and then I'd get the MRIs.

How do they know the neck problems are "congenital"? Most likely they don't; most likely they are surmising. I had one rheumatologist try to convince me that my SI joint arthritis was osteoarthritis….the rheumy that dx'ed me, my current rheumy, and I would laugh at that if it weren't so sad…osteoarthritis does not flare like this does, does not pop out of the blue like this did first flare, would not respond to Humira, etc etc……

But ask your doctor that question; see what response you get.

My neck is far worse than my SI joint until my SI joint flares and then it is far worse than my neck unless my feet or wrists are flaring and then they are far worse than….well, you get the idea. Yeh, for me, its the two ends of the spine, neck and SI joint as well….that's typical for a lot of us. Then the other stuff too.

I've never been on MTX but have heard others talk about the side effects, sorry to hear you have them, hope you get switched to something that works but doesn't make you so sick.

Hi Kelly and welcome,
I would certainly let someone know either talk to yourDr or let the physical therapist know.
Keep us updated
Lisa

Hi there fellow!

I know radiology good, and I can tell you the appearance of congenital fusion of vertebraes doesn't look near to acquired ones seen with AS. Especially if you have a hypoplastic (rudimentary = even smaller) disc. A lot of people have them, almost always on the neck, and are not symptomatic.

Have a nice day!