Conditions

Axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Axial spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. Ankylosing spondylitis is the form with radiographic damage.

Inflammatory back pain

Usually begins before age 45, improves with activity, worsens with rest and may wake patients in the second half of the night.

Diagnosis

Clinical features, HLA-B27, inflammatory markers and sacroiliac imaging (X-ray or MRI).

Treatment

Regular exercise is essential. NSAIDs are first line; biologic or targeted therapies are considered if activity persists.

Related content

A hot, very painful and swollen joint, especially with fever, requires urgent medical attention.