What is Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the small bones in your spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture. If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply.
Ankylosing spondylitis affects men more often than women. Signs and symptoms typically begin in early adulthood. Inflammation also can occur in other parts of your body — most commonly, your eyes.
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but treatments can lessen your symptoms and possibly slow progression of the disease.
Symptoms
- The joint between the base of your spine and your pelvis
- The vertebrae in your lower back
- The cartilage between your breastbone and ribs
- Your hip and shoulder joints
- The places where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones, mainly in your spine, but sometimes along the back of your heel