Updated on 30 Dec 2025
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) usually starts at a young age, often between the teenage years and the early thirties. It is more common in men. Due to its early onset, people do not usually suspect it is a type of arthritis. This spondylitic condition is rare and has symptoms common to many other diseases, and therefore, it can be tough to diagnose.
This blog discusses ankylosing spondylitis in detail.
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that mainly affects the spine. Other joints, such as the hips, knees, chest wall and the entheses, the points where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone, are also susceptible to this condition.
In AS, the pattern of joint involvement varies from person to person. In some, it may affect only some joints and is accompanied by mild symptoms, while others may experience more widespread problems. In a few, the disease causes the bones of the spine, known as vertebrae, to fuse over time. This reduces flexibility and can lead to a stooping posture. If the ribs are affected, it can also become harder to breathe deeply.
What are the symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis?
The symptoms of AS are not the same for everyone. However, some signs are more common than others.
- Back pain and stiffness, which are more noticeable in the morning.
- Pain and swelling in joints that may be caused by arthritis or enthesitis.
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness.
These symptoms usually appear slowly, as they may take months or even years to develop. The difficulties may also come and go over time.
How do doctors diagnose ankylosing spondylitis?
The diagnostic procedure for ankylosing spondylitis includes the following:
- Physical evaluation by checking different spine movements by making the patient bend in diverse directions. Doctors usually guide and help patients with motions if a patient is in pain. They might also press on specific points on the pelvis to reproduce pain or move the legs into particular positions. A medical expert might also ask to take a deep breath to check for any difficulties in breathing or expanding the chest.
- Imaging tests like X-rays help check transformations in joints and bones. It is called radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. The visible signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might not be visible in the initial stage of the disease.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to get more precise and detailed images of affected bones and the spine. This applies radio waves and a strong magnetic field to obtain evidence of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in the early stages of the disease.
- Doctors might run some blood tests to check markers of inflammation. However, inflammation can be an indicator of many other ailments, too.
- Testing genes like HLA-B27 can provide some information, but again, people might develop ankylosing spondylitis even without a defect in the HLA-B27 gene.
Conclusion
Ankylosing spondylitis is a complicated condition that can affect people differently. Early diagnosis is very important. It makes treatment more effective and helps prevent complications. Since treatment is often long-term, the cost of medicines, tests and therapies can add up over time. Having a good medical insurance plan is very helpful to reduce the financial burden and ensure you get the right treatment at the right time.
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