Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis. Symptoms of the disease may start in adolescence and are usually present by age 30. Ankylosing spondylitis most often affects the spine, but it can develop in other parts of the body, such as the hips, shoulders, knees, eyes, heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Symptoms of the condition may include such things as back pain and stiffness. There is no single test for diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis, but x-rays and blood tests may help doctors identify the condition. While there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, treatment can help manage its symptoms and may slow the progression of the disease.