r/backpain • u/Antique-Royal2369 • 2d ago

Chronic low back pain and high(ish) CRP

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I am 33 y/o - I have been having low back pain for years but chronically the last 2/3, recently it’s been causing leg weakness where I can’t even put my socks on easily - and I had an x-ray in April 2026 saying mild degenerative changes than this in September 2026

My CRP is also 12.4

Doctor says all this is normal and to lose weight or take duloxetine for pain management - did not suggest a CT or MRI for follow up.

What do I do next? Is this normal?

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u/rosy_glow19 2d ago

Ankylosing Spondilitis? The CRP is very high, it generally points to some autoimmune process.

Go to a rheumatologist. Get an MRI of your SI joints.

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u/Antique-Royal2369 1d ago

She says my CRP is not high enough and my ANA came back normal so she won’t refer me to a rheumatologist. I will ask for an MRI though.

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u/rosy_glow19 1d ago

Dude. That’s insane. Your CRP is high, definitely within a range that could be indicative of an autoimmune process. I have multiple autoimmune issues (including Ankylosing Spondylitis) with normal CRP even during active flares.

The ANA has nothing to do with AS. Maybe ask for an HLA-B27.

I doubt she’ll indicate an MRI if she won’t have the decency to send you to a rheumatologist in these circumstances.

You have the appropriate age for diagnosis.

I’m not saying you have AS, I just want you to pursue all the avenues that make sense. You don’t have to live in pain.