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Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis is another form) that affects the joints of the lower back. ‘Ankylosing’ means stiffening and ‘spondylitis’ means inflammation of the spine.
The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not clear and it is more common among men than women.
There is no cure for the condition, but, like most forms of inflammatory arthritis, it can go into remission.
In ankylosing spondylitis, the sacroiliac joints (which join the base of the spine to the pelvis) become inflamed. This is why your lower back may feel sore first thing in the morning. The list below tells you what happens.
The initial symptoms are pain, aching and stiffness in the lower back. You may also feel pain further up the back and restricted movement of the chest.
Some people will experience pain and discomfort on and off for a number of years until the inflammation ceases, but most will be able to lead a full and active life. In others movement of the spine may be severely limited.
On some days you may feel overwhelmingly tired. Another symptom is inflammation of the eyes (called iritis) which needs immediate treatment to prevent further damage.
It is very important that you get diagnosed early to minimise the damage to your joints. There are a number of ways to manage your condition:
If the hip joints are badly affected, hip replacement may be suggested.
For more information contact the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society
The Arthritis Care Helpline is available to answer any specific questions you may have on all aspects of arthritis.
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