10/05/2026
🟣 Ankylosing Spondylitis
➟ Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints near the lower back and pelvis.
➟ It can cause back pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility over time.
➟ Symptoms often start gradually and are usually worse after rest, especially in the morning or during the night.
🟣 Common signs and symptoms
➟ Lower back pain
Pain often starts slowly, lasts for months, and may be worse after rest.
➟ Morning stiffness
Back stiffness is usually worse after waking up and improves with movement.
➟ Improves with exercise
Pain often feels better with activity and worse with long sitting or rest.
➟ Buttock or hip pain
Inflammation of the sacroiliac joints can cause deep buttock or hip pain.
➟ Stiff spine
Over time, the spine may become less flexible.
➟ Night pain
Back pain may wake a person during the second half of the night.
➟ Neck or upper back stiffness
Stiffness can spread upward over time.
➟ Red painful eye
Eye inflammation can cause redness, pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
🟣 Management
➟ Regular exercise
Daily stretching, posture exercises, and back-strengthening exercises help keep the spine flexible.
➟ Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist can guide safe spine, posture, and breathing exercises.
➟ Anti-inflammatory medicines
NSAIDs may reduce pain and inflammation if advised by a doctor.
➟ Biologic medicines sometimes
Some people may need advanced medicines to control inflammation.
➟ Avoid smoking
Smoking can worsen symptoms and affect lung and spine health.
➟ Regular follow-up
A rheumatologist can monitor disease activity, posture, mobility, eyes, and treatment response.
🟣 When to see a doctor
➟ See a doctor if back pain lasts more than 3 months, is worse in the morning, improves with movement, or wakes you at night.
➟ Seek urgent care for red painful eye, severe light sensitivity, sudden vision changes, severe spine stiffness, or new weakness/numbness.
Medical disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified doctor or rheumatologist for proper evaluation and personalized management.