Ankylosing Spondylitis Summary Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis of the spine. It causes inflammation between your vertebrae, which are the bones that make up your spine, and in the joints between your spine and pelvis. In some people, it can affect other joints. AS is more common and more severe in men. It often runs in families. The cause is unknown, but it is likely that both genes and factors in the environment play a role. Early symptoms of AS include back pain and stiffness. These problems often start in late adolescence or early adulthood. Over time, AS can fuse your vertebrae together, limiting movement. Some people have symptoms that come and go. Others have severe, ongoing pain. A diagnosis of AS is based on your medical history and a physical examination. You may also have imaging or blood tests. AS has no cure, but medicines can relieve symptoms and may keep the disease from getting worse. Eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and exercising can also help. In rare cases, you may need surgery to straighten the spine. NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Treatments and Therapies Alternative Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis Spondylitis Association of America Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) American College of Rheumatology Start Here Ankylosing Spondylitis National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Ankylosing Spondylitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Children Ankylosing Spondylitis Nemours Foundation Array Ankylosing spondylitis HLA-B27 antigen Find an Expert Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Foundation Find a Rheumatologist American College of Rheumatology National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Spondylitis, Ankylosing National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis Spondylitis Association of America HLA-B27 Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Living With Diet and Spondylitis Spondylitis Association of America Exercise and Posture Spondylitis Association of America Genetics Genetics Home Reference: ankylosing spondylitis National Library of Medicine Encyclopedia Lumbar MRI scan Pelvis x-ray Uveitis Journal Articles Ankylosing Spondylitis Teenagers Spondylitis Web Info for Teens Spondylitis Association of America Symptoms Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis Spondylitis Association of America
