People who live with an inflammatory condition like spondylitis can have a number of different symptoms, according to members of MySpondylitisTeam. Many of these symptoms relate to the spine or the back, but others have to do with mental health, digestion, and more. Below are the most common symptoms members report and some of their own words about how spondylitis affects them.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that are not under control, are worsening, or are interfering with your quality of life, talk to a health care provider today.

1. Low Back Pain

Nearly 7,300 members of MySpondylitisTeam report low back pain. This is one of the most common symptoms of spondylitis.

For many people, their lower back isn’t the only part of their body that hurts. One team member said, “My lower back is so sore, and I have pain down to my hip.”

Some find their pain levels are severe, like one who shared, “Severe lower back pain for several days now. It is hard to sit or stand. Pain meds don’t work. A cushion in the lower back helps a bit.”

Others find that movement helps the chronic pain in their lower back go away, like a member who explained, “My lower back and neck hurt. My lower back hurts every time I move. But after I get moving for about 10 minutes, it lessens.”

However, movement doesn’t help everyone, like the member who said, “I just walked a very short distance outside, and now I have bad pain in my lower back.” Your rheumatology team can help you understand how to stay active despite your pain.

2. Anxiety

Anxiety is the second most common symptom members of MySpondylitisTeam report, with more than 4,700 members saying they’ve experienced it. For some, it is directly connected to their spondylitis pain levels. As one member shared, “Normally I deal with anxiety and stress just fine. But lately I feel more pain in my back. Does stress and anxiety raise your pain?” Another added, “One night was pretty bad. Pain, anxiety, heart palpitations. I didn’t get any sleep.”

Sometimes, anxiety interferes with daily life, like for the member who explained, “Anxiety is definitely playing a major part in daily activities.” If you experience anxiety to this degree, talk to your rheumatologist or another health care provider. They can refer you to a mental health professional. Being open about your feelings can ensure you get the help you need.

3. Neck Pain

Neck pain is another common symptom of spondylitis. More than 4,200 members report experiencing it.

Neck pain can be something you wake up with. One member shared, “My neck has hurt all day. … Actually woke up with it.” Another added, “Woke up at 3 a.m. with horrible neck and chest pain. Currently lying down with a heating pad on my neck and shoulder.”

For some, neck pain also extends to the areas around the neck. “I have pain in my right shoulder that goes from my neck to my jaw to my eye,” a member said.

So much neck pain causes some members to avoid other activities in an effort to make it go away. “My neck is bothering me, so I’m spending too much of my time resting,” a member lamented. “I’m just tired of neck and head pain,” said another.

4. Back Stiffness

Some people experience stiffness in their back. Nearly 4,000 MySpondylitisTeam members have this symptom.

One shared, “I am having trouble with my shoulders, neck, and headaches. Being all stiff is the main problem.” Sometimes stiffness begins in the morning. “Woke up very stiff with pain on my right side,” one member said. “Had difficulty bending.”

Others find certain types of activity lead to stiffness. As one explained, “I’m stiff and sore after doing yard work yesterday. I think I overdid it a bit.” Another added, “I’m very very stiff after doing stretching.”

However, others need to move to feel better. Another member said, “When I sit down just to relax, I have pain and feel very stiff. So I try to keep moving all day.”

5. Hip Pain

Hip pain is the fifth most common symptom of spondylitis reported on MySpondylitisTeam. More than 3,200 people experience hip pain.

For some, this pain is severe. “The problem with my right hip again has been agonizing,” one member said. Another shared, “Lots of low back and hip pain today. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are not working.”

Hip pain can affect sleep, too. “Tired, not sleeping well due to severe pain in my hips, especially my right hip. It hurts to sit or bend over,” a member explained. If you have hip pain this severe, ask your doctor about pain relief options.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MySpondylitisTeam, the social network for people with spondylitis and their loved ones, more than 98,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with spondylitis.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms of spondylitis? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.