Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include mild to severe pain in the low back and buttocks that is often worse in early morning. Some people have more pain in other areas, such as the hips or heels. The pain usually gets better slowly as you move around and are active. Early symptoms include: Advanced symptoms include: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and if they've gotten worse over time. They'll also ask if you have a family history of joint disease. You may have a physical exam to see how stiff your back is. Your doctor may also want to see whether you can expand your chest normally. Your doctor may also look for tender areas. This may include areas over the points of the spine, the pelvis, the areas where your ribs join your breastbone, and your heels. Several tests will be done if your doctor thinks that you may have this disease. You may have an X-ray, a test for the HLA-B27 gene, or an MRI of the sacroiliac joints. The clearest sign of the disease is a change in the sacroiliac joints at the base of the low back. This change can take up to a few years to show up on an X-ray. Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, seem to work best for pain and stiffness. Treatment also includes exercise and physical therapy. They will help reduce stiffness so that you can move around better. You'll need to get regular eye exams to check for inflammation in your eye, called iritis. Surgery for the spine is rarely needed. You may want to think about hip or knee replacements if you have severe arthritis in those joints. There is no cure for this disease. But early diagnosis and treatment can help you to keep doing your daily activities for as long as possible. Current as of: July 17, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: July 17, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Condition Basics
What is ankylosing
spondylitis?
What are the
symptoms?
How is it
diagnosed?
How is ankylosing
spondylitis treated?
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: July 17, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardAnkylosing Spondylitis
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.