Inflammatory back pain generally develops gradually, whereas mechanical back pain may follow an injury. Inflammatory pain can alternate from side to side, and may cause awakening during the second half of the night. Morning stiffness is common, and may persist for 45 minutes after arising from bed. Many rheumatologists look for pain that persists for 3 months when diagnosing inflammatory back pain, and couple the diagnosis with serum markers of inflammation.[1][2][3]
What are the symptoms of inflammatory back pain?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Inflammatory back pain typically develops gradually and can alternate sides; it often causes awakening during the night and morning stiffness that lasts up to 45 minutes. Diagnosis usually involves pain that persists for at least 3 months and may be supported by serum markers of inflammation.