The 7 symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints of the spine, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the hips, shoulders, and ribs. It is a type of arthritis characterized by inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine to the pelvis.

The seven symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can include:

1. Back pain and stiffness: This is often the first symptom and is typically worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
2. Stiffness in the neck: The neck may become stiff and difficult to move, which can cause headaches and a loss of range of motion.
3. Inflammation of the eye: Uveitis, a type of eye inflammation, is present in around 10% of people with AS.
4. Fatigue: AS can cause fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.
5. Limitations of the range of motion: AS can cause the joints to fuse, which can limit the range of motion and mobility.
6. Enthesitis: AS can also cause pain and inflammation at the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, called enthesitis.
7. Extra-articular manifestations: AS can affect other organ systems, such as lung, heart, or kidney in few cases.

It is important to note that these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and not everyone with AS will experience all of these symptoms.