Joint damage in the spine is a major concern for people with ankylosing spondylitis. In particular, there’s a risk for the development of bone spurs called syndesmophytes that may fuse vertebrae together, causing the spine to become rigid, says Susan M. Goodman, MD, a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. “One of the paradoxes […]
9 Ankylosing Spondylitis Complications You Need to Know About
The inflammatory arthritis ankylosing spondylitis can impact your entire body. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness — predominantly in the lower back and sacroiliac joints (where the spine meets the pelvis). What’s behind the inflammation: Your body’s immune system is releasing chemicals into your blood and joints […]
3 Things People with Ankylosing Spondylitis Need You to Understand
You know how you feel right after a really long flight? Aching stiffness, pain, and exhaustion from being crammed into a tiny seat where you can’t sleep comfortably. But worse, much worse. Now imagine that’s how you feel just about every day and you still have to go to work, run errands, cook, clean, and […]
The Top 16 Myths About Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
1. Myth or Fact? Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Only Affects the Back This is a big myth. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a form of inflammatory, painful arthritis that mainly affects the lower back and spinal joints (vertebrae). However, other joints such as the knee, shoulders, hips, ribs, heels and small joints of the hands and feet […]