Sometimes people have symptoms in other organ systems as well, like the eyes.
These symptoms do not affect everyone the same way.
In other words, some people with AS have much milder disease with minimal impact on their daily lives.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
Others have much more debilitating symptoms.
While symptoms vary in jot down and severity, they also may vary by gender.
In a2011 studyinClinical Rheumatology, back pain was reported as the main AS problem in both men and women.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Women may be more likely to experience fatigue and depression in relation to AS.
For this reason, it is sometimes called “inflammatory back pain.”
The inflammatory back pain of AS has distinct features.
These features help doctors differentiate it frommechanical back pain, which is much more common.
The duration of back stiffness can be a clue in identifying inflammatory back pain.
Back stiffness fromosteoarthritis(a non-inflammatory form of arthritis) lasts less than 30 minutes.
Back pain in AS can become quite disabling, and it tends to expand with time.
The pain may eventually move up the spine and even into the neck.
However, not everyone with AS will have problems with these other joints.
The heel is the most common site ofenthesitis.
Uveitis usually causes pain in one eye, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision.
Some people also experience difficulties sleeping, due to pain.
In severe cases, this can create a permanent “hunchback” appearance.
In some cases, other changes to the spine may occur as well.
However, it’s important to note that this only happens in a subset of people.
This process may limit spinal mobility, making it more difficult to pick something up from the floor.
Getting treatment early on may help you prevent these long-term problems.
Rare Symptoms
Less commonly, AS can affect other systems of the body as well.
For example, some complications may affect the heart, lung, or kidney.
Both inflammation of the aorta andaortic valve regurgitationcan cause heart failure, which can be fatal.
Heart conduction defects are also possible.
Lung problems in AS may arise from limited chest wall and spine movement, or from lung fibrosis.
Kidney problems such as IgA nephropathy can also occur.
Instead, they are specifically linked to the HLA B27 gene, which may increase theriskof all three diseases.
Complications
Complications from vertebral compression or fracture
People with AS have an increased risk of vertebral fracture.
In some cases, such a fracture might damage the spinal cord.
Severe misalignment of the spine from AS can also causespinal cord compression, which is a neurological emergency.
However, it is important to note that most people with AS will not experience these complications.
You may need to explore other treatment options.
That will give you the best chance of a good medical outcome.
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It is a serious condition and affects everyone a little differently.
Joints of the pelvis and shoulder may also be involved.
The condition tends to develop in early adulthood and is thought to be more common in men.
Ankylosing spondylitisusually starts with chronic, dull painin the lower back or buttocks area along with lower back stiffness.
Pain is common and often severe (especially at night).
Symptoms may come and go and tend to improve with exercise.
Ankylosing spondylitisis a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning that it is anautoimmuneor autoinflammatory condition that affects the whole body.
Although less common, complications can affect the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Around 85% of people with ankylosing spondylitis have a gene called HLA-B27.
However, not everyone who is positive for HLA-B27 will have ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitisis a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning that it is anautoimmuneor autoinflammatory condition that affects the whole body.
Around 85% of people with ankylosing spondylitis have a gene called HLA-B27.
There are currently no specific tests that candiagnoseankylosing spondylitis.
Medications are the mainstay oftreatmentto relieve symptoms and slow disease progression.
These include:
Surgery to replace joints or repair spinal deformity may be used for severe cases.
There is no solid evidence to support the use of herbal remedies for ankylosing spondylitis.
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