Self-check
Why does it keep hurting?
Five quick questions to see whether your chronic back pain could be inflammatory.
Question 1 of 5
Did your back pain and stiffness develop gradually, with symptoms lasting at least three months?
Question 2 of 5
Did your back pain and stiffness start before the age of 45?
Question 3 of 5
Does your pain and stiffness ease with physical activity and exercise?
Question 4 of 5
Is there no improvement in your back pain when you rest?
Question 5 of 5
Is your back pain worse at night or when still during sleep, and better once you are up and moving?
This quiz is adapted from the ASAS (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society) criteria for inflammatory back pain. It is for information only and is not a diagnostic tool — only a physician can diagnose ankylosing spondylitis.