RA Sufferer - recently having eye problems & muscle spasms

[sharlou]

Hi, I'm a 40 yr old RA sufferer and was diagnosed approx 8yrs ago. Recently i'm experiencing muscle spasms in both my neck & sometimes the top of my back - agony!

more recently my eyes are really itchy inside & are red & swollen outisde on the lids.

Are these just part of RA symptoms?

[carolanivey]

RA can definitely affect your eyes in a couple different ways. First, a condition called Sjogren's Syndrome often occurs along with RA. Sjogren's manifests as extremely dry eyes, mouth, sinuses, skin, etc. Muscle soreness/spasms may also be a part of it. http://www.sjogrens.org/home/about-sjogrens-syndrome/symptoms  Have you moved to a new region recently? Every time we've moved, I experience severe allergic reactions to whatever local "beasties" are in the air, usually for about a year until my immune system adjusts to them.

Second, RA can cause inflammation inside your eyes. This is called iritis or uveitis. You may have symptoms along with this, or it may be silent. In either case, it's imperative you get your eyes examined at least once a year. Prednisone drops can quiet the inflammation and save your vision. Left unchecked, iritis can cause scarring inside your eye which can lead to glaucoma and blindness.

Muscle spasms are certainly a side symptom of RA for a variety of reasons. A nutritional imbalance could be the culprit, or dehydration as mentioned above. Also, when your neck hurts, for example, your muscles unconsciously tense up to "protect" the sore area. The constant stress causes the muscles to become tired, sore and actually inflamed. Cramping, spasms and nerve compression can result. I used to get terrible spasms in my neck and hip area. A pain management specialist can help you with this.

Good luck!

[EdwardPB]

I can't answer accurately, but I doubt they are just "RA" symptoms.
They could be a result of RA effects, but most likely are a separate issue.
RA is a type of autoimmune disease. Your body attacks the joints as it does in a response to an allergy or foreign body.
Your eyes sound like an allergy response, and it might be an increase in your body attacking itself.

It could also be a result of medications you may be on. You probably have lowered immune and you might be getting things like orbital cellulitis, blepharitis, etc...