Prof. Dr. Şenol Kobak warns of rheumatic diseases linked to night-time back pain

Prof. Dr. Şenol Kobak, a rheumatology specialist at Liv Hospital Ulus, warns that certain types of back pain may indicate inflammatory rheumatic diseases rather than simple mechanical issues like herniated discs.

Unlike mechanical back pain, which typically worsens with movement and improves with rest, inflammatory pain often increases at night or in the early morning, potentially waking a person from sleep. Key indicators include significant morning stiffness in the lower back and hip areas that improves with physical activity.

Dr. Kobak notes that symptoms lasting weeks or months, especially in young adults, should be evaluated for conditions such as axial spondyloarthritis. Other warning signs that should be reported to a physician include pain that shifts between the left and right hips, eye redness, skin psoriasis, intestinal issues, or a family history of rheumatic diseases. Early diagnosis is emphasized as critical for effective disease management.