The disease is chronic in nature, and once diagnosed, it can progress through different stages.
Researchers alsodo not know what causes AS, but it mostly affects men who are middle-aged.
People with AS progress to and through each stage at different rates.
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Early Ankylosing Spondylitis
In the early stages of AS, you may experiencemild back pain and stiffness.
This usually starts very low in the back, near yoursacroiliac joints.
It may be on one or both sides, and it is typically better with movement.
It is a good idea to work closely with arheumatologistin the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis.
They can assess your condition and make treatment recommendations.
During this stage, the inflammation from ASmay affect other body systems.
Your eyes may suffer from inflammation oruveitis.
Joint damage cannot be undone in AS, so protecting the joints should be a priority.
If those are not effective, a biologic called IL-17 inhibitors may be prescribed.
During advanced AS, your spinal motion becomes severely limited by fusing of the joints of your spine.
Bony growth appears between the joints, limiting mobility and causing spinal pain.
Complications of advanced AS include:
Working closely with your rheumatologist is important during advanced AS.
Progression
Progression of ankylosing spondylitis is likely to happen over time.
These may include:
Everyone is different, and everyone experiences ankylosing spondylitis differently.
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive disease that causes gradual stiffening and fusing of your spinal joints.
While the disease is not fatal, it can be painful and may limit your normal functional activity.
Progression of ankylosing spondylitis occurs differently for different people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ankylosing spondylitis is not a fatal condition.
It may be progressive, and rapid progression of the disease may limit normal movement and breathing ability.
There is no way to prevent ankylosing spondylitis, as it is an autoimmune disease.
However, you’re free to do things to minimize the effects of AS if you have it.
Ankylosing spondylitis progresses at different rates for each person.
A younger age of onset typically, but not always, means a more rapid progression of the disease.
Akassou A, Bakri Y.Does HLA-B27 status influence ankylosing spondylitis phenotype?.
Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord.
2021;73(2):275-281. doi:10.1002/acr.24104
