Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Early Warning
Signs You Should Know

Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Early Warning Signs You Should Know

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and eventual loss of flexibility. Unlike mechanical back pain caused by injury or strain, AS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, particularly the entheses (the sites where ligaments and tendons attach to bone). At IRIS Clinics, many patients present with unexplained back pain, morning stiffness, or reduced mobility that often begins in early adulthood, making early recognition and intervention critical for preventing long-term spinal damage.

AS does not occur due to aging or physical stress but is associated with genetic factors, including the HLA-B27 gene. The immune response causes inflammation of the spinal joints, which over time can lead to the formation of new bone, reducing spinal flexibility and sometimes causing parts of the spine to fuse. Without proper treatment, AS can severely affect posture, mobility, and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are key to slowing progression and maintaining function.

Recognizing the earliest signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis is essential. At IRIS Clinics, our rheumatology experts use advanced imaging like MRI and X-ray, combined with clinical evaluations, to detect early inflammatory changes and create personalized treatment plans to preserve mobility and reduce pain.

Symptoms vary from person to person but often start subtly with persistent lower back pain and stiffness, especially in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. Unlike common back pain, AS symptoms improve with movement and exercise but worsen with rest. The pain may also migrate to other areas, such as the hips, neck, or shoulders. Fatigue is another frequent complaint, resulting from ongoing inflammation in the body.

Over time, AS may involve other joints and organs. Peripheral joints like the knees, ankles, and even the small joints of the feet can be affected, causing swelling and tenderness. In some cases, inflammation can involve the eyes (uveitis), leading to redness, pain, and blurred vision, or affect the chest wall, making deep breathing uncomfortable. Regular monitoring at IRIS Clinics helps track disease activity and manage complications early.

Early Warning Signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Here’s how AS typically manifests and what early symptoms you should look for:

1. Persistent Lower Back and Hip Pain
- Dull, aching pain in the lower back and buttocks, often worse in the morning or after rest.
- Pain improves with movement or light exercise, unlike mechanical back pain.
- Stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes after waking up.

2. Gradual Loss of Flexibility
- Difficulty bending or twisting the spine.
- A feeling of tightness or restricted movement in the lower back and hips.
- Over time, the spine may begin to curve forward, causing changes in posture.

3. Other Joints and Sites
- Pain and swelling in larger joints like knees, shoulders, or ankles.
- Heel pain due to inflammation at the Achilles tendon insertion or plantar fascia.
- Pain or stiffness in the chest wall or ribs, making deep breathing uncomfortable.

4. Eye and Systemic Symptoms
- Episodes of red, painful eyes with sensitivity to light (uveitis).
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss due to chronic inflammation.
- Rarely, heart or lung involvement can occur, requiring specialized care.

5. Progression and Complications
- Without early treatment, the spine may gradually fuse (ankylosis), leading to a rigid, forward-stooped posture.
- Risk of osteoporosis and increased spinal fractures due to weakened bones.
- Reduced lung capacity if the chest wall becomes restricted.

At IRIS Clinics, our approach to managing Ankylosing Spondylitis focuses on early diagnosis and proactive care. Through medications, physical therapy, posture correction strategies, and lifestyle planning, patients can maintain flexibility and reduce pain even as the condition progresses. Regular follow-ups and advanced imaging help ensure disease activity is monitored closely, allowing timely treatment adjustments to protect spinal health.