Discover what spondylitis is, how to differentiate it from common back pain, when to seek a rheumatologist and what tests confirm diagnosis. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes back pain, stiffness, and spine damage. Learn about the 10 early signs of AS, such as morning stiffness, eye inflammation, and heel pain, and how to prevent complications with early diagnosis and treatment. Lumbar spondylitis, also called lumbar spondylolysis, can lead to a limited range of motion in the back and problems with other joints, such as the ribs, shoulders, or hips. Symptoms typically ... Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in your spine. It usually develops in your sacroiliac joints (where the bottom of your spine joins your pelvis). It causes typical arthritis symptoms like pain and stiffness, but it can also cause digestive symptoms, rashes and weight loss.
