Which statement best describes inflammatory back pain?

Which statement best describes inflammatory back pain?

• A. Early morning stiffness that improves with activity and onset before age 40
• B. Worse with movement and improves with rest
• C. No morning stiffness and onset after 60
• D. Pain localized to the hip with neuropathy

Answer: (A)

Inflammatory back pain is typically seen in younger adults and shows morning stiffness that lasts a substantial time and improves with movement or activity. It often begins before age 40. The statement describing morning stiffness that improves with activity and an onset before 40 directly matches these hallmark features, making it the best description. The other statements describe patterns more typical of mechanical back pain (worse with movement, better with rest), late onset after 60, or nerve-related hip pain, none of which fit inflammatory back pain as well.

Inflammatory back pain is typically seen in younger adults and shows morning stiffness that lasts a substantial time and improves with movement or activity. It often begins before age 40. The statement describing morning stiffness that improves with activity and an onset before 40 directly matches these hallmark features, making it the best description. The other statements describe patterns more typical of mechanical back pain (worse with movement, better with rest), late onset after 60, or nerve-related hip pain, none of which fit inflammatory back pain as well.