Questions and Answers

Yes, ankylosing spondylitis does increase the risk of osteoporosis — a condition that causes bones to thin and weaken as they become more porous inside. Decreased bone mineral density is a common complication of ankylosing spondylitis. This is especially true for those who’ve had the condition for a long time. Read More

Some medications you take to manage ankylosing spondylitis — such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Others, such as some biological medications, may be safe, and you may decide it’s better to keep taking them for all or part of your pregnancy to control your symptoms. Read More

Ankylosing spondylitis — a type of arthritis that affects the spine — doesn’t appear to affect the ability to get pregnant. Although there seems to be a higher risk of delivering a baby that’s premature or with low birth weight, many women with ankylosing spondylitis also appear to be able to safely deliver a healthy […] Read More

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 an increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. However, only some people with the gene develop the condition. Ankylosing spondylitis  risk factors: Your sex. Men are more likely to develop ankylosing […] Read More

Seek medical attention if you have low back or buttock pain that came on slowly, is worse in the morning, or awakens you from your sleep in the second half of the night — particularly if this pain improves with exercise and worsens with rest. See an eye specialist immediately if you develop a painful […] Read More

Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve or stop at irregular intervals. The areas most commonly affected are: The joint between the […] Read More

Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. This may help minimize fatigue that can occur with AS. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation. Stretch. Stretching may help increase your range of motion and can improve your posture. Exercise. Exercise is considered helpful for managing […] Read More

The average time from when a person first noticed symptoms of AS to a diagnosis of AS is about 8 years. That’s partly because AS can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Not only does AS affect people in different ways, but it also usually begins very slowly. It can also be mistaken […] Read More

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are several approved treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Options include over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and prescription medicines. Your doctor may also prescribe an individualized exercise program. These treatments can help manage symptoms of AS, including pain. Read More

AS affects everyone differently, with some people having back pain and stiffness that comes and goes, while others suffer more severe pain that leads to varying degrees of spinal stiffness as the disease progresses. For almost everyone, AS will cause a cycle of very painful periods of time (flares) followed by periods when the symptoms […] Read More