I have lupus S.L.E. which has caused a rheumatoid arthritis in various joints of my body, knee and elbow replacements were necessary. The latest is my Cervical spine, In February 13 I had Anterior decompression and fusion of 4 vertebrae C7 - C4 and synthetic discs. My C1 - C3 are already showing signs of deterioration, C3 looks like a triangle, I have severe neck and ear pain and my GP is treating me with muscle relaxants and anti inflammatories. My question is; How does lupus attack bone and cause it to disintegrate? Same question for discs I suppose. I ve had bone density tests, no problem there and I ve been told not to take calcium pills, as more calcium would cause more problems. I m an active person but this is slowing me down.