Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) & Spondyloarthritis
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. It causes inflammation in the joints of the lower back, which can lead to pain and stiffness. Over time, the bones in the spine may fuse, making the back less flexible. It often starts in young adults, especially men.
AS is part of a group of diseases called spondyloarthritis, which can also affect other joints (like hips, knees, or heels), the eyes, skin, or gut.
How can I recognize it?
You might notice:
- Back pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back and hips
- Pain that starts before age 45 and lasts more than 3 months
- Morning stiffness for more than 30 minutes that gets better with movement
- Pain improves with exercise, not rest
- Discomfort during the second half of the night or early morning
- Pain in the buttocks, which may switch from side to side
- Neck pain or difficulty bending the back as the disease progresses
- Swelling or pain in joints like knees, ankles, or shoulders
- Heel pain, especially when standing or walking
- Red, painful eyes (a condition called uveitis)
- In some people, there may be skin rashes (like in psoriatic arthritis) or gut issues (like in IBD)