What are symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?

The onset of AS symptoms and their impact can vary, though lower back pain usually starts before age 35. Symptoms of AS can get worse over time and often take years to diagnose. Signs of AS inflammatory back pain include: Spine stiffness that is usually worse in the morning and at night, Pain and stiffness that get worse with inactivity and better with physical activity, Pain and stiffness in alternating sides of the body—starting at the lower back and buttocks, Symptoms lasting more than 3 months

The causes of ankylosing spondylitis are unknown. Some contributing factors can include environment, different stressors, and family history. It’s possible AS is passed down through the HLA-B27 gene. Blood tests can detect the HLA-B27 protein and help with making a diagnosis. Ask your rheumatologist for more info at your next visit.

How does AS impact men and women differently?

Both women and men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often start experiencing symptoms in their 20s. Some women may feel symptoms in the neck and other joints first, while men are more likely to feel lower back pain first. Additionally, there is a significantly longer delay in diagnosis for female patients.

What is ankylosing  spondylitis

AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine

When you have ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an immune system response causes inflammation in healthy joints that can lead to increased spinal damage over time.

Some people
with AS can take up to

to be diagnosed

Recognizing symptoms of AS is an important step toward reaching an early AS diagnosis. Explore the interactive diagram to see how people may experience AS symptoms in different areas of the body.

Some common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

Click on the highlighted parts of the body to see more information about symptoms.

AS symptoms can impact other parts of the body, like the neck and shoulders, which can make it challenging to reach high shelves or look over the shoulder.

AS pain and stiffness can spread to other joints, including the ribs. In some severe cases, people may have trouble taking deep breaths when inflammation flares in these joints.

Lower back pain and stiffness are common early symptoms of AS. If left untreated, AS can cause the spine to become less flexible over time, making it more difficult to move and bend.

Some experience hip pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity, making it difficult to move from sitting to standing.

AS pain can sometimes spread to your outer joints, like the knees, which for some can make it more difficult to stand up or use the stairs.

Some people with AS have pain or tenderness in points where soft tissue meets bone (enthesitis). People with AS commonly feel pain in the back of the heel (Achilles tendonitis) and the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciitis).

AS symptoms can impact other parts of the body, like the neck and shoulders, which can make it challenging to reach high shelves or look over the shoulder.

AS pain and stiffness can spread to other joints, including the ribs. In some severe cases, people may have trouble taking deep breaths when inflammation flares in these joints.

Lower back pain and stiffness are common early symptoms of AS. If left untreated, AS can cause the spine to become less flexible over time, making it more difficult to move and bend.

Some experience hip pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity, making it difficult to move from sitting to standing.

AS pain can sometimes spread to your outer joints, like the knees, which for some can make it more difficult to stand up or use the stairs.

AS symptoms can impact other parts of the body, like the neck and shoulders, which can make it challenging to reach high shelves or look over the shoulder.

AS pain and stiffness can spread to other joints, including the ribs. In some severe cases, people may have trouble taking deep breaths when inflammation flares in these joints.

Lower back pain and stiffness are common early symptoms of AS. If left untreated, AS can cause the spine to become less flexible over time, making it more difficult to move and bend.

Some experience hip pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity, making it difficult to move from sitting to standing.

AS pain can sometimes spread to your outer joints, like the knees, which for some can make it more difficult to stand up or use the stairs.

Having an open dialogue with your rheumatologist is really, really important”

Dr. Manish Jain, Rheumatologist

It’s important to speak openly with your doctor about your symptoms and exploring your treatment options. Use our tool to find a rheumatologist in your area.

Find a rheumatologist

Frequently asked questions

QUESTION FOR YOU

What best describes the status of your AS?

Pick one

Diagnosed and taking an NSAID (like aspirin or ibuprofen)

It may be time to talk to your rheumatologist about whether your current treatment is helping you get relief. Use a customized checklist to help you prepare for the conversation.

Start the Appointment Checklist

Diagnosed and on a biologic (injection or infusion) or oral small molecule

If ankylosing spondylitis (AS) symptoms are getting in the way of what’s meaningful to you, it’s time to talk to your rheumatologist about making a change.

Learn to set treatment goals

Not diagnosed

It’s time to get honest about your symptoms with a rheumatologist—a doctor who specializes in diseases like AS.

Partner with a rheumatologist

AS

Checklist

Don’t settle for “just OK” AS symptom relief. Be prepared to talk about symptoms and potential treatment options at your next rheumatologist visit.

Start the Appointment Checklist

Outline of a human body with pain points on the spine & neck

Ongoing AS symptoms?

Unresolved AS symptoms might signal a need to switch from a TNF blocker to a different type of medication, like RINVOQ. RINVOQ is a JAK inhibitor.

See how RINVOQ works differently

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Goals for AS Treatment

What is ankylosing  spondylitis