An uncommon inflammatory disease affecting joints between the vertebrae of the spine and the sacroiliac joints (joints between the spine and pelvis). The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is usually unknown, but in some cases the disease may be associated with colitis (inflammation of the colon) or psoriasis (a skin disease). Ankylosing spondylitis may run in families; and about 90 percent of people with the condition have the genetically determined histocompatibility antigen (HLA-B27). Ankylosing spondylitis usually starts with pain and stiffness in the hips and lower back, which are worse after resting and are especially noticeable in the early morning Other, less common, symptoms include chest pain, painful heels due to additional bone formation, and redness and pain in the eyes due to iritis. In time, inflammation in the spine can lead to ankylosis (permanent stiffness and limited movement) and kyphosis (curvature of the spine). The condition is diagnosed by X-rays and blood tests. There is no cure but treatment with exercises, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the pain and limitation of movement.
Ankylosing spondylitis |
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