Article by:
Amelia Grant
Low back pain and stiffness are the two most common signs of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), however, they might not be the first or only symptoms of this inflammatory condition.
Nearly 2.7 million people in the United States suffer from ankylosing spondylitis and other related types of arthritis-like axial spondyloarthritis, according to the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2010.
The condition can be severe, making the spine fuse into a fixed, hunched position, however, it can also be less aggressive. Some ankylosing spondylitis patients have only intermittent periods of mild back pain throughout their life.
The intensity of pain can vary from person to person, and many people might not understand that some symptoms are even linked to ankylosing spondylitis. Here are some other signs of AS that may surprise you:
1. Joint pain
Though ankylosing spondylitis symptoms most commonly affect the spine, it can also lead to neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, elbow pain, and even jaw pain.
The stiffness, inflammation, and pain can travel to other areas. NSAIDs to lessen pain and inflammation, along with pepper stretching and certain exercises can help manage the condition effectively.
2. Chest pain
Chest pain the happens with deep breathing might be mistaken for a heart issue, however, some ankylosing spondylitis sufferers experience chest symptoms, according to the Spondylitis Association of America. With the condition, the joints between the ribs and spine might get inflamed, which reduces the chest's ability to expand.
It’s best to have any chest pain evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately to rule out other, more serious conditions like a heart or blood vessel issue. If your chest pain is linked to ankylosing spondylitis, you might benefit from working with a physical therapist or respiratory therapist.
3. Abdominal pain and cramps
Some ankylosing spondylitis sufferers also experience symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome including abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
But bowel symptoms can also stem from the underlying inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis, or they could be a side effect of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that many people with ankylosing spondylitis take to lower pain and inflammation.
People might not realize that diarrhea or cramping is actually due to ankylosing spondylitis. However, it’s essential to bring these symptoms to your doctor's attention.
4. Eye redness and pain
If you suffer from ankylosing spondylitis and your eyes got red and inflamed, consult an eye doctor since it might be an indication of an inflammatory eye condition.
The Spondylitis Association of America reports that about one-third of people with ankylosing spondylitis will develop inflammation of the eye, known as iritis or uveitis, at some point. Signs to watch for include painful, red, or watery eyes, blurred vision, and sensitivity to bright light.
5. Constant fatigue
Constant fatigue is a nonspecific symptom that might indicate something inflammatory is going on in your body. General malaise, or a sense of being unwell, can indicate the inflammatory process. Pain can make you tired, and AS sufferers might experience trouble sleeping comfortably, which can only increase tiredness.
6. Heel pain
With ankylosing spondylitis, you can experience pain and tenderness in areas of the body where joints meet bone. This condition is called enthesitis. Affected areas can include the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel and the plantar fascia at the base of the heel. Treating the underlying ankylosing spondylitis can also help lower heel pain.
7. Shortness of breath and dizziness
Some AS patients can have cardiovascular issues that are caused by high levels of inflammation throughout their bodies. One possible cardiovascular condition is chronic inflammation around the aortic valve, known as aortitis. This is generally seen after years of untreated disease.