
11/29/2024
Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints in the spine. Due to the inflammatory nature of this disease, the bones (or vertebrae) in the back become stiff and can fuse together, causing pain and reduced flexibility in the spine. Inflammation can occur in other parts of the body including the eyes.
Most people affected will develop the condition as young adults and, in most cases, will be diagnosed before age 45. An x-ray or MRI of the sacroiliac joints can identify ankylosing spondylitis. People who have the HLA-B27 gene or suffer from inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis may be more at risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
With proper treatment, patients can look forward to living a normal life.