Signs and symptoms
... Your condition may change over time, with symptoms getting worse, improving or completely stopping at any point. Early signs and symptoms may include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips &md...

Causes
... Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific cause, though genetic factors seem to be involved. The majority of people with ankylosing spondylitis have a gene called HLA-B27. This gene may make people...

Risk factors
... Genetics may play a role in the development of ankylosing spondylitis. In fact, the majority of people with this condition have the HLA-B27 gene. Having this gene doesn''t mean that you''ll acquire an...

When to seek medical advice
... See your doctor if you have symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Also contact your doctor if you''re being treated for the disease, and new signs and symptoms develop.

Screening and diagnosis
... Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis may be delayed if your symptoms are very mild or if you mistakenly attribute some of your symptoms to more common back problems. To determine the cause of your disc...