Spondylitis is a general term used to refer to a group of inflammatory diseases that cause pain and stiffness in the spine and other parts of the body. These diseases, which include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and enteropathic arthritis, are all caused by the body's immune system attacking the joints and other tissues. Symptoms of spondylitis include lower back pain, stiffness in the morning and after periods of inactivity, fatigue, and difficulty with everyday activities. Treatment for spondylitis includes physical therapy, stretching, and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), biologics, and corticosteroids.