Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis characterized by inflammation that causes stiffness and fusion of the vertebrae and other joints. It is also referred to as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis due to the axial changes that are observable through imaging.

The main symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include inflammatory back pain that may alternate sides, sleep disturbances due to back pain, morning stiffness that improves with movement, eye inflammation, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, and imaging findings that are specific to the disease, along with ruling out other conditions like chronic mechanical back pain, fibromyalgia, and sacroiliac joint infection.

The main medical treatments for ankylosing spondylitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, and interleukin 17 inhibitors. Additionally, physical therapy is commonly recommended to enhance balance and mobility.

Some research on supplements for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been conducted; high doses of omega-3 fatty acids and nanocurcumin showed potential benefits, whereas high serum vitamin D was correlated with lower AS risk, but causal evidence is lacking. Additionally, calcium may support bone health in people with AS but does not directly affect the condition.

Many individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) believe that diet affects their symptoms, and a low starch diet was suggested to reduce Klebsiella bacteria linked to spondyloarthritis. Research indicates that this diet can effectively manage AS by decreasing disease activity and reliance on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis includes symptom management strategies tailored to individual needs and comorbidities. Exercise programs have been shown to reduce disease activity and enhance quality of life.

The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is unknown, but genetics, particularly the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen, significantly influence susceptibility. Although men are more likely to show radiographic signs of AS, women may experience a diagnostic delay due to the absence of these signs, which can allow the disease to progress unmanaged.