Why do I ache so much?

[saxy_jag]

I'm in my late forties. Maybe slightly overweight but not excessively so. Just lately my back, neck and shoulders all seem to hurt and I seem to be losing some mobility in them too.

There is a family tendency to arthritis (mum, grandma and uncle all crippled with it) and I know the aches and pains in my legs are probably down to the same thing, but do you think it could be the same explanation for my top half feeling yucky too?

I wondered whether extra vitamins or minerals would help. I don't get that much fresh fruit and veg, so maybe a supplement and/or a change of diet would help. I've also got a slight history of anaemia, so could it be that I need more iron? Or maybe just a little more exercise? I walk daily, but sometimes it just exacerbates the pain in my back.

[andy-hughes]

It only takes a very slight displacement of spianl alignment to produce the symptoms of which you speak.

I slipped a disc two months ago, and through physio, the disc is no longer painful, but the ongoing spine displacement is cauisng sever pain in my knee caps. Continuing physio will straighten my spine properly, and relieve the pressure on my knees.

I would suggest to see a physio or osteopath, but speak to your GP first, and see if this is what is actually going on.

I too thought i had early stages or arthritis, and was delighted to hear that this is not the case. So go and get checked and see what can be done.

[skyep]

Hi saxy , you may not realise it, but if you are use to carrying heavy shopping ect.. on a regular basis, this can give you aches and pains in the back/ neck / shoulders. I have to limit what I can carry now, I stagger it on different days. Also, wearing comfortable shoes are essential. I don't know whether you are male or female, but it's something to bear in mind.

[shaneystar2]

Firstly I would see your GP who will take blood and either rule in or out rheumatoid or osteoarthritis or some other type of arthritic condition of which there are many !
Arthritis travels around the body and affects different joints at different times . You may think I am talking bull but I can assure this is so.
Do think about your diet though ...if you do have arthritis avoid pickly and citrus stuff ....this a trigger .
In the meantime start taking a supplement ..eg cod liver oil and glucosamine and eat more fruit and veg !.
My arthritics started in my late forties .It is not life threatening and if this is the case you can do lots to help yourself . I sincerely hope it isn't but you never know .Go and see your GP ..hope you soon feel better.

[saxy_jag]

Thanks for you answers, folks. I have been a back sufferer for some time, and I'm married to one too, so I'm very aware on the lifting and carrying front.

I'm pretty certain it's the arthritis cranking up a gear, so I'm going to get started on the 'more fruit and veg' project as well as the cod liver oil. I may possibly take up swimming again - I know that's good for keeping supple.

Shaneystar, I've been on to the diet thing for some time now and it has a lot of ground. Oranges have become a complete no-no for me, even Jaffa Cakes, and I can only eat tomatoes in moderation. However, I'm told onions are good.

I'll see if all this has any effect. If not, then I'll see my doctor and get his opinion.

Thanks again.

[blade1834]

I have the same aching joints as you and my doctor did blood tests ,it turns out iam menopausal and aching joints are one of the symptoms of low progesterone. He gave me pain killers Diclofenac and they do help.

[saxy_jag]

Well, blade, I am certainly menopausal, so you could have a good point there. I never knew it caused aching joints, but I might look into that. Thanks.