Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that causes pain, redness, swelling in the spine or at the bottom of the spine where the spine connects with the pelvic joint. In some people this condition can affect the shoulders, neck, ribs and hips.

You may visit your family doctor for the treatment of the symptoms. If he suspects the condition to be ankylosing spondylitis, he will ask you to consult a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist will carry out diagnostic tests and prescribe the proper treatment for you.

Researchers have found that a particular gene is responsible for the condition. You may carry this faulty gene. However, even though you may have this gene, you may not get ankylosing spondylitis. This gene can be passed on to the children from their parents.

Ankylosing spondylitis is not a curable condition. However, there are treatment options available to treat the symptoms. An effective and appropriate treatment can help to cure the symptoms. It is possible to control the progress of the condition and avoid any further complications.

The common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are as follows: back pain that gets worse in the morning and at night, stiffness in the spine, pain in the shoulders and elbows, tenderness, warmth, swelling and pain at the joints such as knees, hips and ribs, inflammation of tendons and ligaments, and tiredness and lack of energy.