Spondylitis is a form of spinal arthritis that causes low back pain and stiffness, particularly waking up in the morning after sleeping. The neck, hips, and shoulders—as well as the skin, and bowels—can be affected. Iritis, inflammation of the eye, is also commonly associated with spondylitis.

Though it isn’t rare, it often goes undiagnosed—or worse, misdiagnosed—in its early stages. These critical years are often when the majority of damage takes place.