Can psoriatic arthritis (PsA) cause back pain? Yes — and it's more common than many people realize.
Between 25% and 75% of people with PsA experience back pain. When PsA affects the spine, it's called axial psoriatic arthritis or psoriatic spondylitis. It causes inflammation in the sacroiliac joints, where the spine meets Show Full Answer
Can psoriatic arthritis (PsA) cause back pain? Yes — and it's more common than many people realize.
Between 25% and 75% of people with PsA experience back pain. When PsA affects the spine, it's called axial psoriatic arthritis or psoriatic spondylitis. It causes inflammation in the sacroiliac joints, where the spine meets the pelvis near the hips and buttocks. PsA-related back pain has some recognizable patterns. It tends to:
- Wake you up at night
- Cause morning stiffness lasting 30+ minutes
- Improve with physical activity
- Worsen after long periods of stillness
As one MyPsoriasisTeam member described it: "When I bend down for a long time, I struggle to stand up properly. The area where the spine meets the pelvis and buttocks is so painful." Managing PsA back pain often involves a combination of approaches, including:
- Medications like NSAIDs, DMARDs, or biologics to reduce inflammation
- Exercise to keep joints mobile and reduce stiffness
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve movement
- Hot/cold therapy to ease pain and inflammation
- Acupuncture as a complementary option
It's important to speak with a rheumatologist if you're experiencing persistent back pain, as they can help identify whether PsA is the cause and tailor a treatment plan for you.
May 25
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