Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory rheumatic conditions that mainly involve the spine and pelvic joints, divided into axial forms and peripheral forms such as psoriatic, reactive and enteropathic arthritis. Many forms strike young adults, and men and women appear to be affected equally. A gene called HLA-B27 raises susceptibility, though most carriers never develop arthritis; genitourinary infection, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and a family history are also linked. Typical features are inflammatory back pain, inflammation where tendons attach to bone, swollen digits and extra-articular problems such as uveitis and psoriasis; diagnosis is often delayed because back pain is misattributed to mechanical causes. Assessment draws on clinical history and examination, HLA-B27 testing, X-ray and MRI. Treatment combines exercise and physiotherapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and biologic medicines that block tumour necrosis factor or interleukin signalling are considered when these fail; disease-modifying drugs are used in peripheral forms.

Seek urgent care for an injury with deformity, inability to bear weight, or numbness. See a doctor for pain that lasts more than a few weeks, that wakes you at night, or that comes with fever, weight loss or morning stiffness. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.