I'm 25 and have arthritis of neck (C3-T1)

[llbcherry]

Hello. I recently found out what has been causing a lot of neck pain, and it is arthritis. The radiologist who reviewed my MRI said I had signs of degeneration in discs C3-T1. I have moderate to severe scoliosis, and I am quite sure that is why this is happening...

Anyway, I am 25. There is no cure for this. I am afraid to get older, because it hurts so bad now. I have hydrocodone and it helps a LITTLE. But I don't know if my doctor will continue to give it to me. I had a cortisone shot today. It had anesthesia in it to numb the area for about 24 hours. It's the second one I've had, and my neck STILL hurts. I don't really know what to do. He said if it doesn't get better (UH) that I would be reffered to pain management. I think he suggested SES. I think that's what it is. My cousin is trying it for fibromyalgia. I could really just use any tips or advice. Thanks.

-Laura

[Kalvin]

RA, and Sjogren's syndrome seem like reasonable possibilities. There is blood test you can take, to see if you have RA.

I think they usually do a trial on the Spinal Cord Simulator first, to make sure your body doesn't reject it.

Good Luck

[llbcherry]

Oh, and I have an s curve, so it's like... everywhere.
And I meant to say SCS (spinal cord stimulator, stimul--something)

[llbcherry]

Ok, so I have had a few things happen. For the last 2 months, my mouth has been REALLY dry, and I could find no reason for it. I had numbness in my jaw, which I just found out was caused by infection and/or imflammation of the parotid gland, which has facial nerves that run through it.

I founf out my grandma had rheumatoid arthritis. I have been having pain in my elbows and knees and wrists.

SO... I have reasearched my butt off. And my theory is... that I could have RA, and Sjogren's syndrome as a secondary disease.

It makes sense to me. Any thought?

[Kalvin]

What is SES, are you seeing a Spine specialist? There's nothing that can be done about your scoliosis, but they might be able help you with your neck. You don't want to have to take medication for the rest of your life. Where is your scoliosis, it the thoracic spine?

Before you go to Pain management, try and see a Spine specialist, they might be able to help you. Your too young to be going through all this.


Take Care