Living with Back Pain, Stiffness, or Joint Swelling? It Could Be Spondyloarthropathy.

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If you've been living with ongoing back pain, stiffness in the morning, or swelling in your joints that just won't go away — you're not alone. These symptoms may be signs of a condition known as spondyloarthropathy (SpA), a group of inflammatory disorders that can affect your spine, joints, tendons, and even your skin or gut.

At our physiotherapy clinic, we see many people like you who are looking for real, long-term relief — not just a quick fix. If you're searching for answers, keep reading.

 

What Is Spondyloarthropathy?

Spondyloarthropathies are a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the spine and joints, as well as places where tendons attach to bones (called entheses). These conditions are not just regular arthritis or back pain — they’re autoimmune in nature.

Types Include:

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

• Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

• Reactive Arthritis

• Enteropathic Arthritis (associated with IBD)

• Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis

 Reference: Rudwaleit et al., 2009. The development of ASAS classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis.

 

Could You Have It? Common Symptoms to Look Out For:

• Persistent lower back pain and morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes

• Pain that improves with movement but worsens with rest

• Swelling in one or more joints (especially knees, ankles, or fingers)

• Heel pain (Achilles or plantar fascia area)

• A history of psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, or eye inflammation (uveitis)

• Family history of arthritis or autoimmune conditions

-  Evidence: Braun & Sieper, 2007. Clinical features and classification of axial spondyloarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol.

 

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

While medication plays a role, physiotherapy is essential in improving the quality of life and maintaining movement in people with SpA. Numerous studies support the effectiveness of physiotherapy in reducing pain, improving posture, and preventing spinal stiffness.

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What We Offer:

• Individualised exercise programs – improve spinal mobility, reduce joint pain

• Postural education and ergonomic support – reduce long-term strain

• Stretching and strengthening – target stiffness in hips, spine, and shoulders

• Pain-relief therapies – such as soft tissue work or hydrotherapy

•  Self-management education – understand your condition and feel in control

 

 -Research: Dagfinrud et al., 2008. Physiotherapy interventions for ankylosing spondylitis: Cochrane Review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.

 

Backed by Research. Built Around You.

We base our care on the latest international guidelines, which recommend a team-based approach to managing SpA. That means combining medication, physiotherapy, and education.

 The EULAR 2022 recommendations and ASAS guidelines both prioritise:

• Early diagnosis through imaging and blood testing

• Exercise as a core treatment

• TNF inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors in moderate to severe disease

- Reference: van der Heijde et al., 2017. 2016 Update of the ASAS–EULAR management recommendations for axial spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis.

 

Long-Term Health: Why Early Action Matters

Without early management, spondyloarthropathies can lead to:

• Fusion of the spine (in AS)

• Permanent joint damage

• Increased fatigue, mental health impacts, and reduced quality of life

But with early care, most people lead full, active lives.

- Research: Poddubnyy et al., 2014. Benefits of early intervention in axial SpA. Rheumatology (Oxford).

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you've been told you have Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, or you suspect something deeper is going on with your back or joint pain — don’t wait.

• Book a physiotherapy assessment with us today

• Let’s figure out what’s really going on

•  And let’s build a movement plan that helps you take back control

 

 We’re Here to Help.

We understand how frustrating chronic pain can be — especially when it interferes with sleep, work, or doing the things you love. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

📍 Book online or call us today to start your journey to better movement and less pain.

 

Further Reading & Resources

For those who want to dive deeper into the science and support:

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💡 Research & Clinical Guidelines:

• EULAR Recommendations 2022 for axial SpA
   https://ard.bmj.com/content/81/3/333

• ASAS Classification Criteria
   https://www.asas-group.org

• Cochrane Review on Physiotherapy for AS
   https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002822.pub3/full

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🌐 Patient-Friendly Resources:

• Arthritis Australia – Ankylosing Spondylitis
   https://arthritisaustralia.com.au

• NASS (UK) – National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society
   https://nass.co.uk

• CreakyJoints – Patient Stories and Articles
   https://creakyjoints.org

 

Your mobility is our mission. Let’s move forward — together.