How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
When the condition first starts, there is no test that can confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis is usually made by the typical symptoms. Blood tests may be done to rule out other forms of arthritis. However, as the disease progresses, typical changes develop on x-ray pictures of the sacro-iliac joints and spine. (The pictures show the bones gradually fusing together. These changes may take several years to become bad enough to be seen on x-ray pictures.)
How does ankylosing spondylitis progress?
Symptoms can vary in severity and usually wax and wane. Flare-ups of inflammation which cause periods of worse pain and stiffness tend to occur from time to time. If joints outside your spine are affected, they tend to flare up at the same time as back symptoms. The number of flare-ups that occur, how severe they are, and how long they last can vary greatly from person to person.
In time, the mobility and flexibility of your spine may be reduced. This occurs as the inflammation causes gradual 'fusion' (joining together or ankylosis) of some of your vertebrae. The number of vertebrae involved and the extent of any fusion varies from person to person. A stooping (bent-over) deformity may occur in severe cases.
Average rating:
diane ramage, about 1 year
in the mornings and at night i cant walk for the pain in my heals as well as everywhere else is too great i also have it in my neck which causes the room to spin and i loose my balance
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