Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints (where the spine attaches to the pelvis), spine, and hip joints. Ankylosing is a term meaning stiff or rigid and spondylitis means inflammation of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis most often develops in young adult men and it lasts a lifetime. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help control the pain and stiffness associated with AS…
DEFINITION
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints (where the spine attaches to the pelvis), spine, and hip joints. Ankylosing is a term meaning stiff or rigid and spondylitis means inflammation of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis most often develops in young adult men and it lasts a lifetime. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help control the pain and stiffness associated with AS, and may reduce or prevent deformity.
