Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that can cause vertebral bones in the spine to fuse over time. This fusing causes the spine to lose flexibility and may result in a hunched posture. When the ribs are affected, it may become difficult to take deep breaths.
A physical examination will be conducted by your provider wherein they may ask you to bend in different ways to test the range of motion of your spine. They may also try to reproduce your pain by pressing on your pelvis or moving your legs into specific positions. You may also be asked to take focused deep breaths to see if it is difficult to expand your chest fully.
Radiological imaging such as X-rays allow your provider to check for changes or abnormalities in joints and bones that may indicate AS. An MRI may also be used to provide more detailed imaging of bones and soft tissues.
While there are no specific lab tests that identify AS, some blood tests can check for inflammatory markers which may be indicative of a large range of diseases.
There is no cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis, the primary goal for treating this disease is to relieve pain and stiffness and prevent or delay spinal deformity. The earlier the disease is diagnosed; the sooner treatment can begin to avoid irreversible damage.
