An ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis is made to 12 times as many men as women.  This chronic arthritis causes inflammation in the joints of the spinal bones and in the joints of the bones in the spine and pelvis.  As the disease progresses, it could lead to the eventual fusing of the backbone.

Rheumatologist Key to Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis
If a person suspects that they have ankylosing spondylitis, he/she should consult a rheumatologist.  Rheumatologists are experienced in dealing with joint disorders and can narrow down your arthritis pain to the correct diagnosis. 

Generally, the doctor will look at a patient’s medical history and then do a thorough exam, including taking x-rays and obtaining a magnetic resonance image, or MRI.  Part of the diagnosing process also includes blood tests that look for HLA-B27, a genetic marker, because ankylosing spondylitis runs in families that carry this gene.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Common ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include the following:

  • Severe pain and stiffness while sleeping, while not active, or when a person gets up in the morning.
  • Back pain
  • Pain that lessens with severity when exercising
  • Loss of mobility
  • Fatigue


Prior to determining an ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis, the rheumatologist will also look at other factors.  Is the person under 35 years of age?  Has the pain lasted more than three months?  Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) lessen the pain?

Your doctor will check for tenderness and pain in the following areas:

  • Sacroiliac joints
  • Chest
  • Pelvic bones
  • Back
  • Heels

A history of iritis or uveitis (arthritis of the eye), and/or a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or gastrointestinal infections could influence your rheumatologist to make an ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis can include NSAIDs to reduce inflammation, immune-system suppressing drugs and TNF-inhibitors, which block inflammatory proteins. 

Alternative treatments include the following:
• Acupuncture to assist with pain relief
• Massage to reduce pain and assist with stress relief, which can exacerbate the disease
• Yoga to assist with mobility
• Chiropractic treatments to help the spine gain mobility
• Electric nerve stimulation (TENS Unit)
• Specialized diet and exercise