• Degenerative disease of the spine and joints in the lower back
• Symptoms may include pain and stiffness of the back and spinal joints and heel or foot pain
• Cause unknown but may include an abnormal immune reaction and environmental or hereditary factors
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in males
• Can occur at any age but more common in adolescents and young adults
• May be mild to severe and worsen over time
• Not life threatening

• Avoid smoking
• Exercise regularly

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen