Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic disorder that refers to inflammation of the joints in the spine. AS is the primary disease in an entire group of conditions known as seronegative spondylarthropathies. It is also known as rheumatoid spondylitis or Marie-Strümpell disease (among other names). AS is an autoimmune disease, as are most forms of arthritis. By definition, other joints, in addition to the spine, can also be affected, including the shoulders, hips, knees, and feet. Tissues in the eye can also be affected

Symptoms

• low-back pain that is worse at night, in the morning, or after inactivity
• stiffness and limited motion in the low back
• hip pain and stiffness
• limited expansion of the chest
• limited range of motion, especially involving spine and hips
• joint pain and joint swelling in the shoulders, knees, and ankles
• neck pain
• heel pain
• chronic stooping to relieve symptoms
• fatigue
• fever, low grade
• loss of appetite
• weight loss