This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture.
If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply.
Ankylosing spondylitis affects men more often than women.
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Signs and symptoms typically begin in early adulthood.
Inflammation also can occur in other parts of your bodymost commonly, your eyes.
Neck pain and fatigue also are common.
Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve, or stop at irregular intervals.
Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific cause, though genetic factors seem to be involved.
In particular, people who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at greatly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
However, only some people with the gene develop the condition.
In severe ankylosing spondylitis, new bone forms as part of the body’s attempt to heal.
This new bone gradually bridges the gap between vertebrae and eventually fuses sections of vertebrae.
Those parts of your spine become stiff and inflexible.
Fusion can also stiffen your rib cage, restricting your lung capacity and function.
An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to provide more-detailed images of bones and soft tissues.
MRI scans can reveal evidence of ankylosing spondylitis earlier in the disease process, but are much more expensive.
There are no specific lab tests to identify ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis treatment is most successful before the disease causes irreversible damage to your joints.
They can relieve your inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
However, these medications might cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
TNF blockers target a cell protein that causes inflammation in the body.
IL-17 plays a role in your body’s defense against infection and also has a role in inflammation.
TNF blockers help reduce pain, stiffness, and tender or swollen joints.
They are administered by injecting the medication under the skin or through an intravenous line.
TNF blockers and IL-17 inhibitors can reactivate latent tuberculosis and make you more prone to infection.
A physical therapist can design specific exercises for your needs.
Range-of-motion and stretching exercises can help maintain flexibility in your joints and preserve good posture.
Proper sleep and walking positions and abdominal and back exercises can help maintain your upright posture.
Most people with ankylosing spondylitis don’t need surgery.
You might first bring your symptoms to the attention of your family doctor.
He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in inflammatory disorders (rheumatologist).
Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
But most people are able to live productive lives despite a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis.
Updated: 2016-11-01
Publication Date: 2003-06-03
