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Overview of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, progressive, rheumatic disease of the joints. It is varcharacterized by inflammation and stiffening of the joints and a "bent forward" posture. It affects the sacroiliac region, hip joints, lumbar, thoracic and cervical spines. When it occurs within families, males and females are affected equally. In the general population, males are affected 4-5 times more frequently than females. The onset is usually late teens or early twenties.
Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis
The cause is unknown. It may be caused by genetic changes or autoimmune disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Symptoms of early stages: recurrent episodes of low backache, pain occurring along the sciatic nerve, and stiffness that is worse in the morning.
Symptoms of later stages: progressive worsening of symptoms, pain spreading from the lower back to the middle back or higher in the neck, joints in the arms, legs, feet and hands. Anemia, muscle stiffness, fatigue, weight loss, and iritis may also occur (in about 25% of patients).
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