Overview
Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and the joints where the spine meets the pelvis. It typically begins in young adults with slowly worsening lower back pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning and after rest, and improves with movement — the opposite of ordinary mechanical back pain. Over years it can stiffen the spine if untreated. Early diagnosis, regular exercise and modern medicines can control it well and keep the spine mobile.
Symptoms
- Gradual lower back and buttock pain and stiffness
- Stiffness worst in the morning and after rest
- Pain that improves with exercise and movement
- Pain waking you in the second half of the night
- Tiredness, and sometimes painful red eyes or hip pain
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for lower back pain and stiffness that started young, is worse in the morning, and improves with movement — early treatment protects the spine.
Causes
An inflammatory condition strongly linked to a gene called HLA-B27; it runs in families and usually starts in young adults.