Do you also feel a sharp pain in your back and hips when you stand up after sitting for a long time, especially when you get out of bed in the morning? If the pain seems to subside when you move around a little, don't forget that this is just a back problem. Today we are talking about a condition that many people are not aware of, but can have a big impact on their lives. That is Ankylosing Spondylitis, or AS for short.
Simply put, what is ankylosing spondylitis (AS)?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis. It mainly affects the joints in your spine. Remember that our spine is not made up of one long bone, but rather many small bones called vertebrae. In AS, an abnormality in our body's immune system causes inflammation in the joints between these vertebrae and the ligaments that support them.
Simply put, the joints become swollen, red, and painful. If this inflammation continues, the body tries to repair the damage by building new bone. Over time, this new bone can cause the vertebrae to fuse together. This is called fusion . When this happens, the spine loses its flexibility and it becomes difficult to keep the spine straight. This condition is not limited to the spine, but can sometimes affect areas such as the hips, shoulders, knees, and ankles.
This is not just a common back problem. This is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory condition of the joints. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose and treat it correctly.
Why are these symptoms similar to other diseases?
The main reason why many people don't recognize AS in the early stages is that its symptoms are similar to a common backache, sprain , or muscle aches caused by exertion. Many people ignore it, thinking things like, "I worked a little too hard today," or "I must have been sitting in the wrong place."
But the pattern seen in AS is a little different. A normal back pain will subside with rest. But in AS, the opposite happens. The pain and stiffness are at their peak after rest, especially upon waking up in the morning. As the day goes on and the body gets exercise, the pain gradually decreases. This is the difference we need to understand.
What are the main symptoms?
The symptoms of AS can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Symptom | A Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pain and stiffness in the back and buttocks area | It occurs especially in the morning or after standing for a long time. The spine feels stiff and difficult to bend. This condition is relieved by exercise or walking. |
| Pain in the hip joints | In addition to back pain, pain may occur in one or both hip joints. This may also spread to the groin area. |
| Neck pain | As the disease progresses, it can also affect the upper parts of the spine, causing neck pain and stiffness. |
| Ligament and tendon pain | Pain can occur at the points where ligaments and tendons connect to bones. This is most commonly seen at the back of the heel (Achilles tendon) and the bottom of the foot. |
| Fatigue | Due to constant inflammation in the body, you may feel extremely tired and exhausted for no reason. |
Could the condition get worse over time?
If AS is not managed properly, complications can develop over time. Not everyone will experience these, but it's important to be aware of them.
- Uveitis: This is the most common complication. The eye may suddenly become red, painful, and unable to see light. If you experience any of these symptoms , it is important to see a doctor immediately. If left untreated, vision loss can occur.
- Compression Fractures: The vertebrae become weakened due to inflammation and can break with even slight pressure.
- Heart complications: Very rarely, inflammation can affect the aorta, the main blood vessel of the heart.
When should you definitely see a doctor?
Don't ignore it, thinking, "It's probably just a backache." If you have one or more of the following symptoms, it's best to see your family doctor as soon as possible to talk about it.
- Morning back pain and stiffness lasting more than half an hour.
- Waking up from sleep at night, especially in the morning, due to back pain.
- Pain that increases with rest and decreases with activities such as walking and stretching.
- Alternating pain in the buttocks (for example, pain on the right side some days and pain on the left side other days).
- Having a family member with AS or a similar inflammatory joint condition.
At this time, your doctor will examine you and, if necessary, refer you for X-rays, blood tests (e.g. ESR, CRP), and sometimes an MRI scan. Early diagnosis can help control pain, prevent spinal stenosis, and allow you to live a normal life.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a long-term condition involving the immune system that goes beyond just a simple backache.
- The main symptom is pain and stiffness in the back and buttocks after rest, especially in the morning, but which decreases with exercise.
- Ignoring these symptoms can lead to loss of spinal flexibility over time and complications.
- If you have any of the above symptoms, avoid self-diagnosis and definitely consult your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you live a better life.
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