Spondylitis is a type of condition that mostly affects people in the old age. However, it is now getting more common in the earlier age bracket as well. Spondylitis is a condition in which the bone and ligaments of the spine start to wear out. In addition, the discs around the spinal cord may also get weaker.

Some of the first symptoms often appear as early as in the early 20s and can show up till a person reaches the 50s. However, in most cases, people are not sure about these symptoms and what they point to, but being aware can help you get the required treatment and care in time.

5 Symptoms Of Early Spondylitis

 1. Lower Back Pain Without Any Obvious Reason

If you feel a shooting pain in your lower back each time you wake up or get up from a lying down position, it could be one of the first symptoms of spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis. In most cases, the pain gets worse when you exercise. But if it is due to ankylosing spondylitis, the pain will get better if you exercise.

 2. Stiffness In The Lower Back

It is not common for teens or young people to experience stiffness in the lower back without any apparent reason. But when that happens, it could be a warning sign of ankylosing spondylitis. Along with the stiffness, you may also feel some sort of pain in the joint that connects the pelvis and the spine.

 3. Pain In The Neck

Many people who are affected with spondylitis but are still not diagnosed with it will often feel some pain in the neck. While the pain may be present at all times at a low or high intensity, it will mostly get worse when you wake up in the morning. The pain can also move to spread to the shoulders and upper arm, or cause pain in the back of the head.

 4. On Off Pain

No matter where you feel the pain, it will mostly come and go and be an on-off sort of pain, instead of being present at all times. While sometimes it could be a mild and nagging pain, at other times it could suddenly shoot up in intensity and disrupt your daily activities. Also, there will be no obvious cause that may lead to the worsening of the pain, it will simply happen.

 5. Tingling Sensation In Arms

Whether or not you feel the pain, you will also feel a sort of tingling sensation in your arms, or around your palm and fingers, almost like the prick of many needles. In some cases, it could also lead to numbness in the affected area and you may feel the loss of any sensation.

When To Visit The Doctor

Whenever you notice any of the above symptoms, make sure you discuss it with your doctor. In addition, get in touch with your doctor immediately if:

• The pain or discomfort is so intense that it starts to interfere with your daily routine
• You feel a sudden numbness in any part of the body, such as your arms, legs or shoulders
• You are not able to control your bowel or bladder movements