What is ankylosing 
spondylitis

(AS)?

AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine

When you have ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an immune system response causes inflammation in healthy joints that can lead to increased spinal damage over time.

Recognizing symptoms of AS is an important step toward reaching an early AS diagnosis. Explore the interactive diagram to see how people may experience AS symptoms in different areas of the body.

Some common ankylosing spondylitis symptoms

Click on the highlighted parts of the body to see more information about symptoms. 

Outline of a human body

AS symptoms can impact other parts of the body, like the neck and shoulders, which can make it challenging to reach high shelves or look over the shoulder.

AS pain and stiffness can spread to other joints, including the ribs. In some severe cases, people may have trouble taking deep breaths when inflammation flares in these joints.

Lower back pain and stiffness are common early symptoms of AS. If left untreated, AS can cause the spine to become less flexible over time, making it more difficult to move and bend.

Some experience hip pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity, making it difficult to move from sitting to standing.

AS pain can sometimes spread to your outer joints, like the knees, which for some can make it more difficult to stand up or use the stairs.

Some people with AS have pain or tenderness in points where soft, connective tissue meets bone (enthesitis). People with AS commonly feel pain in the back of the heel (Achilles tendonitis) and the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciitis).

Outline of a human body

AS symptoms can impact other parts of the body, like the neck and shoulders, which can make it challenging to reach high shelves or look over the shoulder.

AS pain and stiffness can spread to other joints, including the ribs. In some severe cases, people may have trouble taking deep breaths when inflammation flares in these joints.

Lower back pain and stiffness are common early symptoms of AS. If left untreated, AS can cause the spine to become less flexible over time, making it more difficult to move and bend.

Some experience hip pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity, making it difficult to move from sitting to standing.

AS pain can sometimes spread to your outer joints, like the knees, which for some can make it more difficult to stand up or use the stairs.

Some people with AS have pain or tenderness in points where soft, connective tissue meets bone (enthesitis). People with AS commonly feel pain in the back of the heel (Achilles tendonitis) and the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciitis).

Outline of a human body

AS symptoms can impact other parts of the body, like the neck and shoulders, which can make it challenging to reach high shelves or look over the shoulder.

AS pain and stiffness can spread to other joints, including the ribs. In some severe cases, people may have trouble taking deep breaths when inflammation flares in these joints.

Lower back pain and stiffness are common early symptoms of AS. If left untreated, AS can cause the spine to become less flexible over time, making it more difficult to move and bend.

Some experience hip pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity, making it difficult to move from sitting to standing.

AS pain can sometimes spread to your outer joints, like the knees, which for some can make it more difficult to stand up or use the stairs.

Some people with AS have pain or tenderness in points where soft, connective tissue meets bone (enthesitis). People with AS commonly feel pain in the back of the heel (Achilles tendonitis) and the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciitis).

Hear how Alicia and her doctor decided to switch AS treatments

Watch Alicia’s story

With ongoing AS symptoms, I really struggled to participate in my hobbies and I wanted to

Make A Change

–Alicia, living with ankylosing spondylitis

QUESTION FOR YOU

Check mark icon.

What best describes the status of your AS?

Pick one

Diagnosed and taking an NSAID (like aspirin or ibuprofen)

It may be time to talk to your rheumatologist about whether your current treatment is helping you get relief. Use the Appointment Pre-Check to get personalized talking points to help you prepare for the conversation.

Start the Pre-Check

Diagnosed and on a biologic (injection or infusion) or oral small molecule

If ankylosing spondylitis (AS) symptoms are getting in the way of what’s meaningful to you, it’s time to talk to your rheumatologist about making a change. Hear tips from Dr. Manish Jain, a rheumatologist, on how to make the most out of your appointment and find the right treatment plan for you.

Partner with your Rheumatologist

Not diagnosed

It’s time to get honest about your symptoms with a rheumatologist—a doctor who specializes in diseases like AS.

Find a Rheumatologist

Frequently asked questions

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