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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Lupus and Facet Joint Arthritis

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭

Would love to hear whether others suffer from this as well, and what type of treatments could be done for you. Meanwhile I have been living with the additional pain and mobility challenges, but surgical team, suggested injection of nerve blocks all the way down my spine. I would love to hear from you.

June 17
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Jemma, have you tried physical therapy? That can be helpful, and it's worthwhile asking about radiofrequency nerve ablation as an option, too. Good luck, and keep us posted, please.😘

June 17
MyLupusTeam

Living with lupus-related joint pain is incredibly challenging, and it's completely understandable to want to connect with others going through similar experiences. Many MyLupusTeam members do report significant joint pain and mobility issues — one member shared that when they first got sick, every joint hurt so badly their Show Full Answer

Living with lupus-related joint pain is incredibly challenging, and it's completely understandable to want to connect with others going through similar experiences. Many MyLupusTeam members do report significant joint pain and mobility issues — one member shared that when they first got sick, every joint hurt so badly their hands and feet were too swollen to wear shoes or walk.

Lupus-related joint pain, including arthritis, affects nearly 95% of people with lupus at some point. The inflammation lupus causes can impact joints throughout the body, including the spine. When it comes to treatment options for lupus-related joint pain, there are several approaches doctors commonly use:

- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) for mild to moderate pain and inflammation
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) — an antimalarial that can be effective but may take months to work
- Corticosteroids (like prednisone) for short-term inflammation relief
- Immunosuppressants (like methotrexate) if other treatments aren't enough
- Physical therapy with gentle, low-impact exercise to strengthen muscles around joints
- The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) for localized pain

Regarding spinal nerve block injections specifically, that's a very important conversation to have thoroughly with both a rheumatologist and the surgical team together, as managing the underlying lupus inflammation is key to any treatment plan's success.

June 17

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