I ended up having 2 back surgeries and the Doctors I worked with said it was because of the RA. The disk in my back were collapsing. The surgeries were the best thing I ever did to get rid of the pain.

I have osteoarthritis and degenerative discs in my neck. Have had the problem before I had RA. I agree with you doctor, RA doesn't usually affect the back.

Degenerative bone disease has nothing to do with RA. I have that as well and better known as osteoarthritis. You will not get better. There is nothing you can do for it. As they say the damage is already done.

What about psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis....maybe look into those.

I was finally able to see my new Rheumatologist and she did say I have the start of OA in my cervical spine and . I had a cortisone shot in my knee after removing about 40ccs of fluid and she thinks I could of had a reaction to the Kenalog and now its triggering an RA flare also. It doesn't help that my anxiety and depression is getting the better of me some days. Just keep fighting!!