Ankylosing spondylitis

Description

An inflammatory disease that fuses bones of the spine together.

Overview

Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as axial spondyloarthritis, is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine and hips. Over time, inflammation can cause the bones of the spine to fuse together.

Symptoms

It can cause a hunched-forward posture. If ribs are affected, breathing deeply may be hard. Other complications can include eye inflammation, called uveitis. Symptoms usually appear in early adulthood.

Treatments

Treatment includes medicines and physical therapy. Rarely, it may include surgery.