Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammatory
arthritis often characterized by
back pain and stiffness. Although it primarily affects the spine, it also can affect other parts of the body. In many cases, symptoms will emerge in adolescence or early adulthood. Symptoms vary significantly from one person to another; not everyone will experience serious complications.
Treatment options for people with ankylosing spondylitis include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. Recent research has led to a new understanding of ankylosing spondylitis and has increased the likelihood that, in time, researchers will find even better ways to treat the disease.
Environmental, genetic, and immune system factors are believed to play a role in causing ankylosing spondylitis; however, it is not clear how these factors specifically cause the condition.
(For more information, click Ankylosing Spondylitis. This article goes into greater detail about the condition's prognosis, symptoms, and diagnosis.)
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