Lower back pain
Spondylitis is a condition caused by PsA. This causes joint swelling, particularly in the spine. The Spondylitis Association of America estimates that 20% of people with PsA will develop psoriatic spondylitis. Spondylitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- lower back pain (lumbar and lumbosacral)
- muscle pain
- eye inflammation
- hip pain
- fatigue
In some cases, the pelvic sacroiliac (SI) joints actually fuse together. Spondylitis treatment typically focuses on pain and inflammation to help alleviate symptoms. Among the possible treatments are:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
- disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers
- steroid injections or eye drops
- physical therapy
- when extreme, surgery for the back or hip
