Psoriatic Arthritis in the Back

Psoriatic arthritis can inflame joints between the spine and pelvis and the small joints or attachment points around the spine. The resulting back pain may feel deep, come with morning joint stiffness, and ease somewhat as you move. It can coexist with pain or swelling in other joints, but back pain also has many other causes, so the pattern alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Keep moving with comfortable walking, gentle mobility, and exercises recommended by a clinician. Avoid staying in one position for long periods; change posture and use brief movement breaks. A physiotherapist can adapt strengthening and flexibility work to your spine and hips. Anti-inflammatory medication may be considered by your clinician after reviewing your health, other medicines, and stomach, kidney, or heart risks. Heat can soothe stiffness for some people.

Arrange review if back pain is persistent, repeatedly wakes you, or is accompanied by joint swelling, heel pain, or psoriasis. Seek urgent assessment for new leg weakness, numbness around the saddle area, or difficulty controlling urine or stool. Fever with severe back pain, or pain after a significant injury, also needs prompt medical attention.

Ask whether your pain pattern suggests spinal inflammation, whether imaging is needed, and which exercises are safe during a flare. Discuss a medication plan and how to tell inflammatory symptoms from a muscle strain or another back problem.