Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Care for chronic inflammatory spine arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing chronic back pain and stiffness that typically begins in early adulthood. Over time, without treatment, it can lead to reduced spinal flexibility, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve long-term mobility and quality of life.
Types
Axial Ankylosing Spondylitis
Primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, the classic presentation of the condition.
Peripheral Ankylosing Spondylitis
Also involves joints outside the spine, such as the hips, knees, or shoulders.
Early (Non-Radiographic) Axial Spondyloarthritis
Inflammatory back pain consistent with the condition, before changes become visible on X-ray.
Established Ankylosing Spondylitis with Spinal Fusion
Longer-standing disease where vertebrae have begun to fuse, reducing spinal flexibility.
Common Causes
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune condition with a strong genetic component, though the exact trigger for its onset is not fully understood.
- Genetic predisposition - strongly associated with a specific genetic marker (HLA-B27), present in the majority of affected individuals.
- Family history of ankylosing spondylitis or related inflammatory conditions.
- Immune system dysfunction driving chronic inflammation at spinal joints.
- Male sex - the condition is diagnosed more frequently in men, though it affects women as well.
- Young adulthood onset - symptoms most commonly begin in the late teens to early thirties.
Signs and Symptoms
- Chronic lower back and buttock pain, often worse in the early morning
- Stiffness that improves with movement and worsens with rest, a distinctive pattern
- Pain that has persisted for several months, gradually developing rather than appearing suddenly
- Reduced spinal flexibility developing over time if untreated
- Fatigue alongside back symptoms
- In some cases, eye inflammation or peripheral joint symptoms
Diagnosis
Diagnosis combines the characteristic pattern of inflammatory back pain with blood tests, including testing for the HLA-B27 genetic marker, and imaging such as X-ray or MRI of the sacroiliac joints and spine to identify inflammatory changes.
Treatment Approach
Treatment centres on anti-inflammatory medication and, for more significant disease, biologic medications that target the specific immune pathways driving inflammation. Regular physiotherapy and spinal exercises play a central role in maintaining flexibility and posture throughout the course of the condition. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna manages the orthopaedic and spinal aspects of ankylosing spondylitis alongside broader rheumatological treatment.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026