I have been having terrible low back pain for 12 weeks now. Had every test under the sun and nothing is coming up abnormal. My rheum. said it is most likely osteo. arthritis. I thought that you can see arthritis on an x-ray or mri ?? Confused about this.
How about blood tests (mine are normal) doesn't that usually indicate arthritis ?? This is all new to me.
My pain feels like tight muscles all the time and joint pain but what does joint pain feel like - can someone explain this. Again, my pain is dead center lumbar location. Appreciate any feedback.

Hi cat:

I went to my rheumy for the same thing. I have Scleroderma and arthritis in my cervical spine, my shoulders, and my knees. But this pain that you describe and I did too, is muscle and directly related to peri changes in our cycles. That is what my rheumy told me. I have this off and on until it gets close to my period and then it goes up several notches. Her answer and it does help when I can, is to stretch those muscles gently. I lay on the bed and stretch legs first then concentrate my back up and side to side. It does not cure it but it sure helps ease it some.

BTW, yes you can see arthritis on x-rays. Mine are very vivid and leave no doubt as to what is going on in there.

I hope this helps some.
Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

Thanks Stitchnanny for the info. Yes, my meno. symptoms came on like a switch a month ago (49 yrs.) and my back pain started around a month before that. So, maybe its not arthritis its all due to hormonal decline of estrogen. I can't believe that a decline in hormones can possibly cause this much pain but I only have it in the lumbar area no other area of the body. I started a bcp a few weeks ago and am wondering if this is going to help any. Tell me what does joint pain feel like to you how would you describe it ??

I hope that the bcp helps you!!!

Joint pain to me is deep seated. I mean that it is an ache that sits so deep that rubbing does not even touch it for relief. Sometimes it is a sharp pain deep in the joint like bones are rubbing together (they are) and it is difficult to move that joint because it becomes so stiff and inflamed, which can cause swelling.

Does that help?
Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

I had the back pain too in early peri and I understand it's pretty common. I had a lot of muscle stiffness as well. I have read that early peri can be a time of estrogen excess rather than decline. Now in late peri, I have found that when my hormones levels go down my pain improves. If I get a hormone surge and PMS like symptoms then the back pain is worse.