WHAT IS
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

(AS)?

Knowledge is your power over AS

Ankylosing spondylitis (pronounced ank-kih-low-sing spon-dill-eye-tiss), or AS, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and other areas of the body.

When you have AS, an immune system response causes inflammation in healthy joints. The inflammation contributes to pain and stiffness and, in some advanced cases, can cause sections of the spine to fuse. Talking to a rheumatologist can help you fight back. If your current treatment plan is not giving you the results you want, speak openly with your doctor about exploring your treatment options.

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

Prepare to talk treatment options and goals at your next rheumatologist visit—and ask about RINVOQ.

Start the Appointment Checklist

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 can cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in areas of the body, like:

Spine icon.

Spine

Shoulder icon.

Shoulders

Hips icon.

Hips

Ribs icon.

Ribs

Knees icon.

Knees

Heels icon.

Heels

AS can cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in areas of the body, like:

Spine icon.

Spine

Shoulder icon.

Shoulders

Hips icon.

Hips

Ribs icon.

Ribs

Knees icon.

Knees

Heels icon.

Heels

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

What
causes

(AS)?

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.

A woman looking at her bike.

QUESTION FOR YOU

Check mark icon.

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

Two men and a woman doing yoga.

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.

Since women can experience AS symptoms differently than men, this may lead to a longer delay in diagnosis for female patients.

Nearly million people in the United States have AS