Teen arthritis in spine

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DD (16) has "arthritis signs" in her spine that her spinal consultant is referring to rheumatology for. Spinal doc says there's nothing for him to do (surgeon) so is referring on, but didn't really explain why.

DD has been having back pain for a couple of years now, hence the outpatients appointments but the mention of arthritis has worried me a bit (not told DD that). I have three different auto immune conditions and while I have permanently raised inflammatory markers I've never actually been diagnosed with arthritis. I do however have severe spinal stenosis and have had surgery for Cauda Equina three times in the past couple of years.

I am going to make a follow up appointment with GP to go through the results of her MRI but I'm wondering what kind of questions I should be asking. And if anyone has any tips for managing the pain flare ups please?

I'd make sure the GP is aware of your medical history, in case anything you have is heritable and might have a bearing on your DD's health. My aunt has spinal stenosis and have never found an adequate form of pain relief, so I hope your DD doesn't have that and I'm sorry you do.

I've had osteoarthritis for about 20 years and it hasn't got any worse in that time. If I have a flare up then an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen helps with pain. Joint mobility has declined a bit, but if you stay active and keep exercising the joints that are sore then you keep them mobile. Pilates, yoga or similar is good for flexibility, but it sounds like she needs a diagnosis first.

Research an anti-inflammatory diet. Going strict carnivore for a short period might help.

My husband had back problems in his early 20"s.. gp kept telling him to take ibuprofen.
Got worse over the years and he demanded ct scan and mri... 10 years later.. he has now been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the spine...
He has goods days but then terrible days where he is bed ridden for min 2 weeks and it's so hard to see him like that as he is usually an active person.

Op I would demand mri. GPS don't like doing it because they will say there too young. Keep on at them. I do hope ur daughter is OK.

She's had an MRI, the results of which we've just been given. I can't fault the care she's been given throughout the whole process, especially when I originally thought she was just being a drama queen

I'm sorry your husband didn't receive the same quality of care, I hope he's doing the best he can DD also has bad flare ups, it's awful to see them in so much pain.

Thanks @cheezncrackers the consultant was asking me my history as I had my rollator with me, but as is always the way, there was so much more I could have said. He specifically asked if I had upper spine issues, to which I said no. However, I do have bone spurs which showed on my MRI but I forgot as they don't cause me pain at the moment. Just worrying that that is relevant to DD.

Similar to your aunt, I haven't found adequate pain relief yet and am so worried that DD may be heading down the same path.

DD is quite active so that's good, she already has physio who has recommended a programme at the gym - just need to remind her to do it!

Sorry I must of mis read that part. I fo hope the gp gives you the answers you both need x