Fast Facts About Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is primarily characterized by chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic rheumatic disease.

Inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis commonly starts at the lower spine or sacroiliac joints. The earliest symptoms are often chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back region and hips. As symptoms of pain and stiffness progress up the spine to the neck, possibly including the rib cage area, bones may fuse and normal movement is lost.

Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects men. The age of disease onset is usually between 17 to 35 years old. Ankylosing spondylitis rarely develops after 45 years of age. Learn the Fast Facts About Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Related Resources:

• The Back Pain Quiz
• Guide to Lower Back Pain
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Screening Quiz
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Require Special Attention
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: Often Delayed or Difficult Diagnosis

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