Ankylosing Spondylitis

What is ankylosing spondylitis (AS)?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes lower back pain. Symptoms, including hip pain and a stiff back that may come and go. Over time, vertebrae in the spinal column may fuse and become rigid (ankylosis). Exercise is one of the best ways to ease pain and maintain flexibility. Pain relievers and other medications also help.

Symptoms

In the early stages, ankylosing spondylitis is likely to cause:

• Stiffness and pain in your lower back in the early morning that lasts at least 30 minutes and then eases through the day or with activity
• Pain that wakes you in the night
• Pain in one or both buttocks and sometimes the backs of the thighs.

Treatment

• A number of treatments can slow it down and treat pain and stiffness.
• Exercise and close attention to your posture are just as important to keep your spine mobile and help you to live a normal life.
• Some of the drugs below can only be prescribed by a rheumatology consultant.