Ankylosing spondylitis is a degenerative disease that causes a person's vertebrae to fuse together. While symptoms associated with AS develop gradually, in their severe stages they can often be unbearable. In addition to this, many of these symptoms are not unique to AS, making the diagnosis process long and confusing. Here is a look at some of the most common ones; while individually they may not indicate ankylosing spondylitis, together they may be an indication of this condition.
Back Pain and Stiffness
Pain and stiffness in the lower back is one of the most common symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis. This pain tends to increase during long periods of inactivity, so most sufferers will experience it the worst during the late evening and early morning hours—when people are typically in bed. Physical activity has been shown to reduce this pain and stiffness, but the relief is usually only short-lived.
Lack of Mobility
Since AS causes a patient’s vertebrae to fuse together, it’s not uncommon to lose some mobility as the condition progresses. This normally begins with problems turning at the waist, bending over, and standing up. However, in severe cases, the spine may fuse to the ribs, which can cause serious problems with breathing deeply.
Tendon and Ligament Problems
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms are not just limited to the spine—sometimes other joints and tendons are affected as well. Tendonitis is commonly reported by people with AS, and this inflammatory condition can lead to additional stiffness and pain. One of the most common tendons affected is the Achilles tendon, located behind the ankle, but the hips, elbows, and shoulders are also frequent sources of pain as well.
Unrelated Symptoms
There are several other symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis that have no logical connection to the condition. These include pain and inflammation behind the eyes (iritis), bowel inflammation (ulcerative colitis), and heart disease. It’s estimated that about one-third of ankylosing spondylitis patients suffer from one or more of these conditions.
