Ankylosing spondylitis (humpback)
Ankylosing spondsylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness in the spine. It affects the joints between vertebrae.
AS is a type of arthritis that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The cause of this condition is unknown.
The condition may also affect other parts of the body, including the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, toes, or fingers. AS usually begins with inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower back to the pelvis. This leads to swelling and stiffness in the hip area. Other symptoms include fatigue, low energy levels, and poor sleep quality.
In some cases, people who have AS will develop psoriasis, a skin disorder characterized by redness, scaling, and thickened skin. People with AS may also have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis, a bone disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
AS usually begins with inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower back to the pelvis. The condition may also affect other parts of the body, including the hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, feet, or toes.
AS is often associated with HLA B27, a gene found on chromosome 6. This gene helps the immune system identify foreign substances as “self” and attack them. However, when the gene is present, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues instead.
AS usually starts with inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower back to the pelvis. The condition may also affect other parts of the body, including the hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, wrists, hands, feet, or eyes.
AS is more common in people who are male, Caucasian, and older than 40 years old. People with AS tend to have stiff joints, especially in the morning. They may also have trouble sleeping at night because of pain.