Ankylosing spondylitis
An inflammatory arthritis mainly affecting the spine and pelvis.
Overview
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory form of arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It typically begins in young adults with gradual-onset back pain and stiffness that improves with movement. Exercise and medical management are central.
Symptoms
- Gradual-onset back pain in young adulthood
- Stiffness worse in the morning and with rest
- Symptoms that improve with exercise
- Sometimes hip, buttock or peripheral joint pain
Causes
- An inflammatory process with a strong genetic link
- Association with the HLA-B27 gene
- Environmental triggers in susceptible people
Treatment
- Regular exercise and mobility work
- Medical management of inflammation
- Posture and breathing exercise
- Long-term monitoring