bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
In ankylosing spondylitis, mild to moderate flare-ups of inflammation may alternate with periods of almost no symptoms. The most common symptom is Back pain Back pain varies in intensity from one episode to another and from one person to another. Pain is often worse during the night and in the morning. Early morning stiffness that is relieved by activity is also very common. Pain in the lower back and the associated muscle spasms are often relieved by bending forward. Therefore, untreated people often develop a stooped posture, which can get worse and become permanent. In others, the spine becomes noticeably straight and stiff. Occasionally, loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive fatigue, and anemia can accompany the back pain. If the joints connecting the ribs to the spine are inflamed, the pain may limit the ability to expand the chest to take a deep breath. Stiffness (fusion) of the spine can restrict the ability to expand the chest wall as well. Occasionally, pain starts in large joints, such as the hips, knees, and shoulders. One third of the people have recurring attacks of painful but sometimes mild eye inflammation ( Uveitis ), which usually does not impair vision if treated promptly. In a few people, inflammation of a heart valve results in a permanently damaged valve, or other problems can affect the heart or aorta. If damaged vertebrae press against nerves or the spinal cord, numbness, weakness, or pain can develop in the area supplied by the affected nerves. Cauda Equina Syndrome is an occasional complication when nerves coming out of the lower part of the spinal cord are affected. Lung disorders such as cough, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), and shortness of breath (dyspnea) can rarely develop. Achilles Tendinitis , 