NASS and ankylosing spondylitis: what to know

Ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis, can cause inflammatory back pain, joint stiffness, and reduced movement. Morning stiffness may ease with activity but worsen after long periods of rest. The hips, shoulders, ribs, and joints outside the spine can also be involved. Symptoms vary over time, and a flare may be followed by a quieter period.

The condition is not diagnosed from back pain alone. A clinician combines your symptom pattern and examination with blood tests and imaging when appropriate. Early assessment can help protect movement and guide a plan that fits work, sleep, fitness, and other health needs.

Keep gently active within your tolerance and avoid long, uninterrupted periods in one position. A physiotherapist can teach posture, spinal mobility, breathing, and strengthening exercises. Exercise therapy may be adapted during a flare; hydrotherapy can make movement more comfortable for some people. Medication, including anti-inflammatory treatment, may be discussed after reviewing your symptoms, stomach and kidney health, and other medicines.

Track stiffness, pain, sleep, and activities that trigger improvement or worsening. Bring this record to appointments. Choose supportive sleep and work positions, and ask for adjustments if prolonged sitting or lifting increases symptoms.

Arrange review when back or joint stiffness persists, limits daily tasks, or changes despite your plan. Seek urgent care for new leg weakness, numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe pain after a minor injury, or sudden difficulty breathing. A painful red eye with light sensitivity also needs prompt assessment.

Does my pattern fit ankylosing spondylitis or another cause? Which movements should I practise during a flare? Would imaging or blood tests help? How will we judge whether medication is helping? What changes should prompt urgent review?