Ankylosing Spondilitis(AS) is a long lasting inflammatory rheumatic disease that affects the back. The vertebrae of the spine and/or the joints between the pelvis and the spine (sacroiliac joints) are usually affected. It can lead to pain, stiffness, inflammation and deformity.
AS can also cause inflammation of the eye, the hip joints and (rarely) the lungs, heart and chest walll. There is currently no cure for AS but recent developments with biological treatments have improved the prognosis for most people.
Approximately 33% of people with AS give up work prematurely on health grounds and a further 15% are adversely affected in the workplace.
Because the onset of AS usually occurs before the age of 30, the economic and social costs of this condition outweigh other forms of arthritis that usually start later in life.
AS is not caused by athletic activity or injury although it can sometimes follow unusual exertion or strain.
AS does run in families and there is a genetic factor which can result in a predisposition to this condition
Early stage ankylosing spondylitis is difficult to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed as common back pain. This is unfortunate as early treatment is the most important factor in ensuring a "successful" outcome.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is one of a group of diseases known as spondarthritides which also includes Psoratic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis and Colitic Arthritis. Any of these can occur alongside AS and may precede it. AS can prevent people from working, the pain and stiffness brought about by this condition can be quite difficult to cope with.
