I started to have serious low back problems in my mid-late 20's (now I'm in my early 40's) and thinking back I also developed OI/POTS symptoms around the same time, I just didn't know what OI/POTS then. Even as a teenager I had back pain. I was dx'd with DDD/mechanical low back problems before I was 30 and after requesting a TTT was dx'd with dysautonomia last year.
Low back pain, especially the SI joint and hip pain were the first things to develop. The several vertebrae in my lumber region do not move properly. Now I have pain all along my spine up to my neck, which burns at times. I was dx'd with fibro following whiplash but for the past year the pain has been more localized than the overall widespread pain.
I've also been experiencing more pelvic pain immediately following menses, and altho I have endometriosis and a fibroid, the pain starts when (or at least accompanies) the back pain flare up. Now I think the pelvic pain is originating from my back too, possibly a pinched nerve. The latest joint to give my problems is my elbow, which also feels like a pinched nerve (around the funny bone), the pain and sometimes numbness radiates into my hand and collarbone. I've been reading about Ankylosing Spondylitis and starting to wonder if that is a possibility.
Anyway, the other thing I've noticed is that when these painful areas really flare up, I feel sicker overall, and my POTS is worse. I've suspected the POTS has a hormonal link for me because it is worse at certain times of the month, but just now have I realized it may be more tied into when I have increased pain. I'm wondering if it's happening because the pain is wearing me down or is it a reaction to inflammation, with or without AS?
Low back pain, especially the SI joint and hip pain were the first things to develop. The several vertebrae in my lumber region do not move properly. Now I have pain all along my spine up to my neck, which burns at times. I was dx'd with fibro following whiplash but for the past year the pain has been more localized than the overall widespread pain.
I've also been experiencing more pelvic pain immediately following menses, and altho I have endometriosis and a fibroid, the pain starts when (or at least accompanies) the back pain flare up. Now I think the pelvic pain is originating from my back too, possibly a pinched nerve. The latest joint to give my problems is my elbow, which also feels like a pinched nerve (around the funny bone), the pain and sometimes numbness radiates into my hand and collarbone. I've been reading about Ankylosing Spondylitis and starting to wonder if that is a possibility.
Anyway, the other thing I've noticed is that when these painful areas really flare up, I feel sicker overall, and my POTS is worse. I've suspected the POTS has a hormonal link for me because it is worse at certain times of the month, but just now have I realized it may be more tied into when I have increased pain. I'm wondering if it's happening because the pain is wearing me down or is it a reaction to inflammation, with or without AS?