Ankylosing Spondylitis Medications

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• Ankylosing Spondylitis Overview
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Causes
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Risks
• Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
• Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic Drugs
• Corticosteroids
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Ankylosing Spondylitis Overview

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is arthritis that involves the spine, sacroiliac joints, and joints in the legs. Men develop ankylosing spondylitis three times more often than women do. People with ankylosing spondylitis usually develop the disease in their late teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms include the following:

• Frequent lower back pain



• Back stiffness first thing in the morning or after a long rest period



• Pain or tenderness of the ribs, shoulder blades, hips, thighs, and bony points along the spine



• Pain and tenderness in joints other than the spine may accompany the condition



• Eye pain, watery eyes, red eyes, blurred vision, and sensitivity to bright light (The disease sometimes affects the eyes and other organs.)