Spondylitis causes inflammation that doesn't always stay in one place — it can spread well beyond the lower back. That's why pain can show up in so many different areas of the body.
Here's why arms, legs, and the back are commonly affected:
- Back pain is the hallmark symptom, caused by inflammation in the spine's joints Show Full Answer
Spondylitis causes inflammation that doesn't always stay in one place — it can spread well beyond the lower back. That's why pain can show up in so many different areas of the body.
Here's why arms, legs, and the back are commonly affected:
- Back pain is the hallmark symptom, caused by inflammation in the spine's joints and the areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bone
- Leg pain and tingling can occur when inflammation leads to nerve compression or neuropathic pain (nerve pain causing numbness or tingling in the hands and feet)
- Arm and shoulder pain can develop as inflammation spreads to the neck, shoulder blades, and surrounding joints
- Hip pain is also very common, and can radiate into the legs
- Enthesitis — pain where tendons or ligaments meet bone — can cause discomfort throughout the limbs, especially at the heels One MySpondylitisTeam member described it well: "I suffered with pain under my right shoulder blade and was having trouble with numbness and tingling down my right arm."
The inflammation in spondylitis is systemic, meaning it can affect the whole body over time. Staying gently active, stretching, and working closely with a rheumatologist on a treatment plan can help manage pain in these areas.
June 22
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