Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints – the joints that sit between the spine and the pelvis. It causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the back, neck, hips, and other joints, with the potential to affect other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and skin.
While the exact cause is unknown, it’s thought to involve a mix of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but treatments can help with symptom management and slow down progression.
