What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The sacroiliac joints are located in the low back where the sacrum (the bone directly above the tailbone) meets the iliac bones (bones on either side of the upper buttocks). Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Over time, chronic inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of the spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic disease, meaning it can affect other tissues throughout the body. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as to other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.It can cause disease and inflammation in the spine, other joints, eyes, skin, mouth, and various organs.
IN EASY WORDS
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is one of many forms of chronic inflammatory arthritis which affects the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and the joints between the spine and the pelvis (sacro-iliac joints); it may also affect other joints of the body. The joints are initially inflamed and this may be followed by progressive stiffness and inflexibility. This condition is more common in males as compared to females and usually occurs in individuals between 16 - 40 years of age.
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