What should you know about types of ankylosing spondylitis?

Inflammatory back or pelvic pain may be worse after rest and improve with suitable movement. Joint stiffness, morning stiffness, reduced range of motion, and pain outside the spine can accompany the condition. Symptoms may fluctuate, and other inflammatory conditions can affect the eyes, skin, or bowel. A history, examination, blood tests, and imaging are considered together rather than using one finding alone.

A management plan often combines regular mobility and strengthening with pacing, posture advice, and treatment of flares. Physiotherapy can tailor movements to spinal and hip mobility. Exercise Therapy may be performed on land, while Hydrotherapy can make movement easier when joints are sore. Anti-Inflammatory Medication may be discussed with a clinician after checking your health history and other medicines.

Arrange review for persistent inflammatory back pain, increasing stiffness, or a noticeable loss of movement. Seek urgent care for a painful red eye with light sensitivity or blurred vision, new bowel symptoms with severe illness, sudden weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These features may need assessment beyond routine joint care.

Ask which axial spondyloarthritis pattern is being considered, what the examination and imaging show, and how symptoms will be monitored. Discuss a home movement plan, flare instructions, medication options, and when physiotherapy should be adjusted.