Psoriatic Arthritis in the lumber region

[Fred]

Andy trust me whatever you hear you can get Psoriatic Arthritis in all parts of your body............................... OK well not all, how can I rephrase that  

I've had it for years and yes you can get it in your spine, with me it comes and goes and it's not always in the same place every time I get a flare-up. I have had psoriatic arthritis in the following places, and I don't care what the so called professionals say.

Neck
Shoulder
Upper and lower arm
Wrist
Fingers thumbs
Back
Hips
Upper and lower legs
Ankles
Toes

I've yet to experience it in my chest, skull, or any soft tissue but it wouldn't surprise if the bugger decided to do it just for a change.

As for the tests, some may do Xrays or blood tests. But a good Dermatologist and/or rheumatologist will know just by examining you and looking at your finger/toe nails, they will be pitted, have lines running down them, and will start to lift from the nail bed. This is a classic sign of Psoriatic Arthritis, having said that some people with psoriasis do experience the pitting and lines but not on such a large scale.

You will know when psoriatic arthritis hits you as will your specialist, it's bloody painful and Disabilating. My fingers and toes are usually the first to get whacked, my toes will go like big red radish's and my fingers will close and lock up. But yes it can also effect my movement to the extent of not being able to get out of bed or even feed myself.

EDIT: Just read Caroline's post and I have had this discussion with her before, but believe me it can get anywhere there is Bone I know.

It affects people in different ways a bit like psoriasis itself, some have it mild and some get covered in it there is no one size fits all.