Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects men more often than women. The condition belongs to a group of joint diseases known as spondyloarthropathies, which can cause inflammation throughout the body, especially in the spine. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis typically include back pain and stiffness; however, the condition may result in a wide variety of symptoms. In some people, ankylosing spondylitis can cause significant pain and disability for many years. The exact cause or causes of ankylosing spondylitis are not yet known. There is no cure for the condition. Treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis may include physical therapy, medications, and surgery, among other things.