Image: iStock.

We’ve all probably experienced some kind of back pain in our lives, and in many cases the cause is identifiable — injuries, poor biomechanics, or constant strain on the spine to name a few.

The symptoms caused by these lifestyle factors (generally referred to as ‘nonspecific’ back pain) can become persistent and chronic. But in five per cent of cases, there’s an inflammatory cause of unresolved, long-term back pain that remains lesser-known.

Ankylosing spondylitis — that’s a mouthful, so we’ll just go with AS — is arthritis of the back. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints, which then cause the bones to fuse (in other words: very painful).

Unfortunately, it takes an average of 10 years for the condition to be diagnosed. This is largely due to the lack of AS awareness among the public and even health professionals, says Sydney rheumatologist Dr Irwin Lim.

“Most of the patients that have this have seen multiple physios, chiros, osteopaths, their GP, and it’s not thought about,” he explains.

Watch: A strong core can keep your back healthy and happy. Try this core exercise from Paper Tiger. (Post continues after video.)

AS is hereditary and three times more common among men than women, particularly those in the 20-40 year age bracked.

“Because these are young guys, [the symptoms] are usually blamed on sport or their job or lifting or doing something silly, and they typically don’t really go looking very hard for the cause of it,” Dr Lim says.

This complicates matters for female AS sufferers, because it’s typically perceived as a ‘male’ disease and thus isn’t often considered as a cause for their painful symptoms.

“If you’re female and have chronic back pain, it’s almost always blamed on the fact that you might be overweight or you’re picking up children or multiple pregnancies. There’s always something else to blame,” Dr Lim says.

Ankylosing spondylitis sufferers can find sleep incredibly painful. (iStock)

Constant pain is just the start of life with AS. Dr Lim explains that a sufferer's spine will continue to stiffen, making even the most basic tasks progressively uncomfortable — especially those that require long periods of sitting or lying down. So yes, even driving or sleeping become painful.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing ongoing back pain, there's a simple online screening test that can help you determine whether the cause is nonspecific or inflammatory. The website Don't Turn Your Back On It, which aims to raise awareness of AS, has five yes/no questions that will help you make the distinction.

"These are [symptoms] like waking up in the middle of the night with back pain that is actually worse when you’re resting and better when you’re active, which can be quite different from the usual types of back pain," Dr Lim says.

It's also important to highlight that AS is genetic, so if chronic back pain runs in your family it's worth seeking some medical attention. There's a measurable genetic marker called HLBA27 that's common among sufferers of AS. (Post continues after gallery.)

5 yoga poses that'll ease a stiff back. (Images: supplied)

Legs up wall

This pose has a multitude of benefits for your mind and body. If you suffer from arteritis, headaches, high blood pressure or insomnia, the legs up move can be therapeutic. It can also relieve lower back pain and tired or cramped legs, and ease the symptoms of PMS, menstrual cramps and menopause. Added benefit: itll give you an energy boost and help ease anxiety and stress.

Puppy pose

The Puppy pose (best name ever) does great things for your upper body. Itll expand your chest, improve flexibility in your spine, and relieve any tension in your upper arms, shoulders and neck. It also stretches out your abdominals, opens your hips and stretches your hamstring. In terms of wellbeing, doing the Puppy pose will calm your mind and relieve symptoms of chronic stress, tensions and insomnia.

Corpse pose

It sounds morbid, but the corpse pose is the ultimate relaxation pose and will rejuvenate your body and mind. It can physically relax you, help to lower blood pressure, and reduce the symptoms of headaches, fatigue and insomnia. The pose can also calm your brain and help to ease stress and mild depression.

Standing forward fold

This pose positions your head below your heart, so straight away the rush of blood to your head will give you a big boost of oxygen. This has some great results - it can help to ease feelings of nervousness, stress, anxiety, depressions and fatigue, and relieve symptoms of asthma, menopause, headaches and insomnia. Physically, it stretches your hips, hamstrings and calves, keeps your spine strong and flexible, and strengthens your thighs and knees.

Although AS is a chronic disease, Dr Lim says the first line treatment is relatively simple. It involves a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, which serve to calm the excessive inflammation in the spine, and an exercise program designed to maintain the back's mobility and prevent it from stiffening.

Once upon a time, if these treatments were unsuccessful there wasn't much else that could be done to improve an AS patient's quality of life. However, Dr Lim explained medications known as biologics became available around 10 years ago, and have been revolutionary in the treatment of inflammatory back pain.

"When everyone looks at back pain as a single entity, then no one gets the appropriate treatment. You have to have an idea of what type of back pain it is to then have the right treatment for it," he adds.

Not all back pain is the same - so be sure to see your doctor. (Istock)

"Of course it’s a big deal being told you have a chronic disease, but at least knowing will allow you to empower yourself with information and then getting the correct treatment."

Ultimately, Dr Lim says anyone experiencing recurring back pain — particularly if "no one can really give you a good reason for it" — should seek medical attention. You don't have to live with it.

Have you ever experienced back pain?