Ankylosing spondylitis (also called AS) is a long-term condition in which mainly the spine but also other areas of the body become inflamed.
The symptoms of AS can vary, but usually involve:
• back pain and stiffness
• pain and swelling in other parts of the body – caused by inflammation of the joints (arthritis) and inflammation where a tendon joins a bone (enthesitis)
• tiredness/ fatigue
These symptoms tend to develop gradually, usually over several months or years, and may come and go over time.
