Imagine Dragons and ankylosing spondylitis: what to know

The condition can cause persistent lower-back or buttock pain, stiffness after rest, and reduced spinal movement. Morning stiffness may ease as you move, although symptoms vary. Ankylosing spondylitis is one form of axial spondyloarthritis; it is not simply wear-and-tear arthritis. A clinician may combine your symptom pattern with an examination, blood tests, and imaging when deciding whether the condition fits. Read more about [Ankylosing Spondylitis](/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/), [Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/joint-stiffness/), and [Morning Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/morning-joint-stiffness/).

Arrange an assessment if back stiffness keeps returning or limits sleep, work, exercise, or posture. Keep gently active within your comfort, change position regularly, and follow a plan designed for your mobility and strength. A physiotherapist can guide spinal movement, breathing, posture, and exercise progression. Medication may reduce inflammation, but the choice depends on your health, other medicines, and examination. Options may include [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/), [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/), [Hydrotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hydrotherapy/), or [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/).

Seek prompt medical advice for new or worsening back pain with marked weakness, numbness, trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or unexplained weight loss. Sudden eye pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision also needs urgent assessment because inflammatory eye problems can occur with this condition. Emergency help is appropriate when severe symptoms develop rapidly.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest axial spondyloarthritis, which examinations or scans are useful, and how to exercise safely during a flare. Discuss medication benefits and side effects, how progress will be monitored, and whether symptoms outside the back need review.