What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that gradually causes some parts of the vertebrae to fuse. If left untreated, the disease can spread to the ribs and other parts of the spine, making them rigid. Consequently, the inflexibility of the spine causes a stooped posture, and the patient may have difficulty breathing. Notably, various statistics suggest that men are more vulnerable to developing the disease than women. The reason for this revolves around the physical nature of the jobs most men indulge in. Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis The signs of Ankylosing spondylitis normally begin to manifest themselves in early adulthood. The most common symptoms include back and neck pain, stiffness in the lower back or hips, and fatigue. Moreover, most symptoms appear early in the morning, and after long periods of inactivity. These symptoms may either worsen or improve over time, depending on the severity of the disease. In some cases, the symptoms may stop at