How Ankylosing Spondylitis Can Progress in Your Body

Stage 1: Axial inflammation

* Begins in the sacroiliac joints in your pelvis

* May cause pain in your lower back and stiffness that is worse in the morning

* Can also cause inflammation in the other joints in your spine, as well as your ribs and shoulders

Stage 2: Bone formation

* As inflammation continues, the bones in your spine and other affected joints can start to fuse together

* This can lead to further stiffness and pain

* Can also cause deformities, such as a hunched back or a forward-leaning posture

Stage 3: Advanced ankylosing spondylitis

* In advanced cases, the inflammation and bone fusion can affect your entire spine

* This can make it difficult to move and can lead to severe pain

* Can also cause compression of your spinal cord, leading to neurological problems

Additional symptoms

In addition to pain and stiffness, ankylosing spondylitis can also cause a variety of other symptoms, including:

* Fatigue

* Loss of appetite

* Weight loss

* Fever

* Eye inflammation

* Skin problems

* Bowel problems

If you think you may have ankylosing spondylitis, see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent serious complications.