Hi Rhonda!
I have Ankylosing Spondylitis, which is an immune disease, very
similiar to Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Being an immune disease, the entire body is affected, including, by
definition, the back. In my case, I have erosions in my SI joints (the
small joints which are at the very bottom of your back, top of your
butt). I also have erosions in my wrist and in my left hip.
There is a lot of information at arthritis.org, and numerous other
sites on the web.
As for treatment, it usually includes DMARDS (disease modifying agents)
such as methotrexate or plaquenil, NSAIDS(such as Ibuprofen, naprosyn,
etc...), steroidal drugs (prednisone), and/or biologics (Enbrel,
Humira, etc...).
I am currently on: Enbrel, prednisone, Azulfidine, methotrexate,
tramadol for pain as needed, leucovorin(fights the side effects of mtx)
and Soma (one at night to sleep).
I also have fibromyalgia.
IT took over two years to finally get an accurate diagnosis, it was
very frustrating and often very painful.
Are you seeing an RD?
www.rheumatology.org
www.arthritisdaily.com
www.arthritis.org
I believe you can find some more information at these sites.
Good luck to you,
Charlene