Ankylosing Spondylitis

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What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

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Ankylosing Spondylitis is a generalised chronic inflammatory disease, mainly affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is characterised by pain or stiffness of the back, often with involvement of the hips and shoulders.

Who gets Ankylosing Spondylitis?

1 in 2000 births. Males tend to be affected more severely and at an earlier age. Usual onset is between 15-25 years of age.

Predisposing Factors

Ankylosing spondylitis tends to run in families. Relatives may have the disease, or another disease that is associated, for instance Reiter's disease, psoriatic arthritis or enteropathic arthritis. It is thought that the manifestation of these disease is due to both a genetic component and some external triggering event such as infection.

Progression

The disorder is first manifested by episodic inflammation of the sacroiliac joints in the late teens or early 20's. Pain in one or both buttocks and lower back pain and stiffness are typically worse in the morning, and relieved by exercise.

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