Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Home

Header Top Menu

  • Careers
  • Investors
  • News
    • Press Release Archive
    • Press Statements
    • Podcasts
      • The Antigen Podcast
      • Get Science Podcast
      • Diverse Perspectives Podcast
      • menopause: unmuted
      • Hemcast
    • Contact Media Relations
    • Press Kits & Downloads
      • Company Press Kit
      • Pfizer Oncology Press Kit
      • PSA Narrative
      • RA NarRAtive
      • Rare Disease Gene Therapy Press Kit
      • ATTR-Amyloidosis Press Kit
      • UC Narrative
      • Eczema Inside Out Press Kit
  • Partners
    • Discovery to Pre-candidate
      • Focus Areas
        • Therapeutic Areas
          • Internal Medicine
          • Inflammation and Immunology
          • Oncology
          • Rare Disease
          • Vaccines
        • Therapeutic Modalities and Technology Platforms
          • Drug Safety
          • Gene Therapy
          • Target Sciences
          • Precision Medicine
          • Medicinal Sciences
            • Biologics Product & Process Development
            • Biotherapeutics Discovery
            • Medicine Design
            • Small Molecule Product & Process Development
        • Emerging Science
          • DNA Damage Response
          • Microsatellite Repeat Expansions
          • Senescence
      • Partnering Models
    • Candidate Through Commercialization
      • Focus Areas
        • Internal Medicine
        • Inflammation and Immunology
        • Oncology
        • Rare Disease
        • Vaccines
        • Hospital
    • Pfizer CentreOne
    • Pfizer Ventures
      • Our portfolio

Healthcare Professionals

  • Healthcare Professionals

Connect with Us

  • Connect with Us
    • Email
    • FAQ
    • Privacy Policy (NEW)
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
  • Your Health

    • Healthy Living
      • Brain & Nervous System
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cold & Flu
      • Digestive Health
      • Healthier Aging
      • Living Tobacco Free
      • Men’s Health
      • Mental Health
      • Nutrition & Fitness
      • Pediatric Health
      • Respiratory Health
      • Skin Health
      • Vaccines & Prevention
      • Women’s Health

    • Disease & Condition
      • Cancer
      • Cardiovascular Diseases & Conditions
      • Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders
      • Immune System Diseases & Conditions
      • Infections & Infectious Diseases
      • Neurological Diseases & Conditions
      • Menopause
      • Rare Disease
      • Vaccine-Related Conditions
      • Skin Diseases & Conditions
      • Atopic Dermatitis
      • Cardiovascular Disease
      • Severe Hypertriglyceridemia

    • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Resources

    • Managing your health
      • Caregiving
      • Evaluating Health Information
      • Tracking Your Health
      • Your Medicines
      • Health Literacy

    • Wellness
    Hot Topics

    Maintaining Emotional Well-Being During COVID-19

    Emotional Well-Being Tips for People Living with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions During COVID-19
  • Our Science

    • Driven to Discover the cure

    • Focus Areas
      • Internal Medicine
      • Inflammation & Immunology
      • Oncology
      • Rare Disease
      • Vaccines
      • Anti Infectives

    • Product Pipeline

    • Clinical Trials
      • Guide to Clinical Trials
      • Find a Trial
      • Expanded Access & Compassionate Use
      • Clinical Trials in Children
      • Partnering with Pfizer
      • Trial Data & Results
      • Research Integrity & Transparency
      • Diversity in Clinical Trials

    • R&D Platforms
      • Biosimilars
      • Gene Therapy
      • Medicinal Sciences
      • Precision Medicine
      • Maternal Immunization

    • Collaboration
      • Partner with Pfizer

    • Research sites

    • Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Resources
      • All COVID-19 Updates
      • Vaccine Efforts
      • Antiviral Efforts
      • Partnerships & Anti-Infective Efforts
      • Supporting the Fight Against COVID-19
    HOT TOPICS

    MRNA VS. CONVENTIONAL VACCINES

    What Makes an RNA Vaccine Different From a Conventional Vaccine?
  • Our People

    • Meet The Experts
      • Scientists
      • Internal Medicine – Metabolic Disease
      • Inflammation & Immunology
      • Oncology
      • Rare Disease
      • Vaccines
      • Medical Professionals

    • The Journey

    • Leadership
      • Executives
      • Board Members
      • Company Fact Sheet

    • Diverse Perspectives
      • Diversity & Inclusion
      • Supplier Diversity
    HOT TOPICS

    Meet our new Chief Patient Officer, Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron

    dr_richardson_300x170.jpg

    Working Together to Empower Women

    VizagWomen_300x170.jpg

    • Hot Topics
  • Our Purpose

    • Commitment to Global Health
      • Expanding Access
      • Strengthening Health Systems
      • Providing Disaster & Humanitarian Relief
      • Unleashing the Power of Our Colleagues
      • Highlighting Individual Voices

    • Protecting People and the Environment
      • Pfizer's Green Journey
      • Product Stewardship
      • EHS Governance
      • EHS Supply Chain
      • Key Performance Indicators
      • Health & Safety
      • Human Rights

    • Positions on Health Policies
      • Ready for Cures
      • How does Pfizer price medicines?
      • Value of Medicines
      • Policy Positions
      • Creating Cures Through Facility Investments

    • Transparency
      • Working with Health Care Professionals
      • Transparency in Grants
      • Code of Conduct
      • Corporate Compliance
      • Sales and Marketing Compliance

    • Independent Grants
      • Competitive Grants Program
      • Independent Medical Education
      • Investigator Sponsored Research
      • Quality Improvement
      • COVID-19 Vaccine Grants

    • Contributions & Partnerships
      • Healthcare Charitable Contributions
      • Lobbying & Political Contributions
    HOT TOPICS

    Pfizer Women’s Resource Group

    Media Name: IWD_Pull_up_Banner_300x170.jpg

    • Hot Topics
  • Our Products

    • Product listing

    • How drugs are made
      • Branded vs. Generic
      • Biologics & Biosimilars
      • Commitment to Quality

    • Distributors
      • Pfizer Distributors
      • Greenstone Distributors

    • Medicine Safety
      • Reporting Adverse Events
      • Making Good Treatment Choices
      • Partnering With Patients
      • Health Literacy
      • Medicine Safety Tips for Patients
      • Counterfeiting
      • Unused Medicines

    • Safety Data Sheets

    • Medical Information Contacts

    • Pfizer Global Supply
    HOT TOPICS

    Universal vs. Single Payer Healthcare

    Media Name: universal_healthcare300x170.jpg
  • Careers

    • Working Here
      • Mission & Purpose
      • Culture
      • Diversity & Inclusion
      • Career Growth & Colleague Development
      • Compensation & Benefits
      • Ensuring Corporate Responsibility
    • Search Jobs
    • Student & Early Career
      • Postdoctoral Program
      • US Summer Student Worker Program
      • Opportunities for Veterans
    • Pfizer365.com
    • Our Hiring & Recruiting Process
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Tips for Interviewing at Pfizer
    • Connect With Us
  • Investors

    • Investors Overview
      • Why Invest / Our Story
      • Prospective Investors
      • Fact Sheet
    • Events & Presentations
    • Financials
      • Quarterly Reports
      • Annual Reports
      • SEC Filings
      • Interactive Data Filings
    • Investor News
    • Stock Information
      • Historical Price Lookup
      • Investment Calculator
      • Historical Stock Chart & Data
      • Dividend & Split History
      • Stock FAQs
    • Governance
      • Board Committees and Charters
      • The Pfizer Board Policies
      • Corporate Governance FAQs
      • Contact Our Directors
    • Shareholder Services
      • Stock FAQs
      • Advisory Information
      • Cost Basis Calculator
  • News

    • Contact Media Relations
    • Podcasts
    • Press Kits & Downloads
    • Press Release Archive
    • Press Statements
  • Partners
  • Footer links

    • Footer Aside Section1
      • CAREER-SEEKERS
      • INVESTORS
      • News & Media
      • Partners
    • Footer Aside Section 2
      • Healthcare Professionals
      • Business To Business
      • Change Region
      • Sitemap
    • Footer Aside Section3
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Linkedin
      • Instagram
      • Youtube
    • Footer Aside Section4
      • Contact Us
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
YOUR HEALTH/ What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
October 23, 2020

Ankylosing spondylitis (pronounced “ang-kill-LOH-sing spawn-duh-LY-tus”) is an uncommon form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes back pain and stiffness in the back, neck and other areas of the body. It typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, before the age of 45. Over time, the vertebrae (bones of the spine) can fuse together. While there is no cure yet, some treatments may help reduce the symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis and intervention are key.

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spine, and ankylosis references the fusion of two bones into one. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause pain and stiffness that usually starts in the low back. As the disease progresses, it can affect neck, shoulders, buttocks, hips and heels. Normal, daily activities can be impacted, including bending over to put on socks and shoes, for example. It may even affect the joints between the spine and ribs, resulting in a hunched over posture and difficulty breathing.

What causes it? And who is at risk?

There is no known specific cause. Ankylosing spondylitis is relatively rare, affecting about 1 in 1,000 people. It is believed that people with the gene called HLA-B27 are at the greatest increased risk for developing ankylosing spondylitis, not everyone with the gene develops the condition.

Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men. The disease can occur at any age; however, onset generally occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of about 20 and 40. The majority of patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience symptoms before they reach 30 years of age, and only about 5% present with symptoms after age 45 years.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The most common early sign and symptom of ankylosing spondylitis is pain or stiffness in the lower back, which can be worse in the mornings or after periods of inactivity.Additionally, symptoms may improve after activity or exercise. Back pain from other causes tends to worsen with exercise, but people with ankylosing spondylitis can feel worse without regular exercise.

Neck pain and fatigue are other common symptoms.

Other possible symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, inflammation of the bowels or eyes. Compression fractures and heart problems are possible complications of the condition.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single test that can diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. A doctor or specialist (such as a rheumatologist) will diagnose the condition after discussing a patient’s medical history and symptoms, performing a physical examination, and evaluating imaging tests such as X-rays and/or MRI. Doctors may perform blood tests as well.

How is Ankylosing Spondylitis treated?

There is currently no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. However, there are treatments that may help reduce joint pain and possibly slow the damage to the spine or other affected joints.

A patient’s treatment will depend on the symptoms experienced and the severity of the condition. Treatment options may include:

  • Medication, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, biologic drugs, corticosteroids;
  • Physical therapy and exercise, to promote range-of-motion stretching and maintain flexibility, and;
  • Surgery.

Hot baths, heat, and massages may also help relieve pain.

References:

1. Stanford Health Care. Ankylosing Spondylitis. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/bones-joints-and-muscles/ankylosing-spondylitis.html.

2. Arthritis Foundation. Axial Spondyloarthritis. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/ankylosing-spondylitis.

3. Harvard Health. Ankylosing Spondylitis. www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/ankylosing-spondylitis-a-to-z.

4. Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-info/ankylosing-spondylitis/.

5. American College of Rheumatology. Spondyloarthritis. www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Spondyloarthritis.

6. Taurog, Joel D., et al. “Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 374, no. 26, 2016, pp. 2563–2574., doi:10.1056/nejmra1406182.

8. National Institutes of Health. Ankylosing Spondylitis. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ankylosing-spondylitis#tab-risk

9. UpToDate. Clinical manifestations of axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis) in adults.

Related Hot Topics
Albert Bourla Reflects on the One Year Anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Albert Bourla Reflects on the One Year Anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Why Your Family Health History Matters
Why Your Family Health History Matters
Why You Need Your Workout Now More Than Ever
Why You Need Your Workout Now More Than Ever
Chronic Stress and How to Manage It
Chronic Stress and How to Manage It
Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder
Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder
Understanding the Differences and Similarities Between the Flu and COVID-19
Understanding the Differences and Similarities Between the Flu and COVID-19
Pfizer_JonxPillemer_Kenya_2016-1355_380X200.jpg
The Pfizer Foundation Invests in Community-Based Solutions to Combat the Threat…
Moving at the Speed of Science
Moving at the Speed of Science
Tags
Health Info
Healthcare
Pain
Show
Hide

Footer menu

  • Your Health
    • Healthy Living
    • Disease Conditions
    • Manage Your Health
  • Our Science
    • Therapeutic Areas
    • Product Pipeline
    • Clinical Trials
    • R&D Platforms
    • Collaboration
    • Research SItes
  • Our People
    • Meet the Experts
    • The Journey
    • Leadership
    • Diverse Perspectives
  • Our Purpose
    • Commitment To Global Health
    • Positions on Health Policies
    • Transparency
    • Contributions & Partnerships
  • Our Products
    • Product Listing
    • How Drugs are Made
    • Distributors
    • Global Product Information Contacts

Footer aside

  • Footer Aside Section1
    • CAREER-SEEKERS
    • INVESTORS
    • News & Media
    • Partners
  • Footer Aside Section 2
    • Healthcare Professionals
    • Business To Business
    • Change Region
    • Sitemap
  • Footer Aside Section3
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Linkedin
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
  • Footer Aside Section4
    • Contact Us
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
Pfizer Logo Footer

Copyright © 2002-2021 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. This information—including product information—is intended only for residents of the United States.
The products discussed herein may have different labeling in different countries.