If you're experiencing persistent back pain that just won't go away, it might be more than just a simple strain. Medical experts are warning that chronic discomfort could be a sign of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a lesser-known inflammatory condition that often goes undiagnosed for years.
What is Axial Spondyloarthritis?
Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. Unlike typical mechanical back pain, axSpA causes:
- Pain that improves with movement but worsens with rest
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Discomfort that persists for three months or longer
- Potential involvement of other areas like eyes or bowels
Why It's Often Missed
Dr. Benjamin Ellis, consultant rheumatologist and senior clinical policy advisor at Versus Arthritis, explains: "The average delay in diagnosis is 8.5 years because symptoms are often dismissed as ordinary back pain. Many people don't realize inflammatory back pain behaves differently."
When to Seek Medical Advice
The NHS recommends consulting a GP if back pain:
- Doesn't improve after several weeks
- Is worse in the second half of the night
- Improves with exercise but not rest
- Is accompanied by eye inflammation or digestive issues
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent joint damage and significantly improve quality of life for those living with this condition.
