Yes, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) significantly increases the risk of anxiety, as the chronic pain, fatigue, limited mobility, and overall burden of the disease often lead to psychological distress, with studies showing high prevalence rates of anxiety in AS patients, sometimes exceeding 30%. Factors like severe pain, poor quality of life, sleep disturbances, and impact on work and daily function strongly correlate with higher anxiety levels, highlighting the need for integrated mental health care alongside physical treatment.
Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common in axSpA. They are associated with high disease activity and reduced work productivity. Patients should be regularly screened for these symptoms.
Treatment
Advanced-Stage Ankylosing Spondylitis
Spinal fusion leads to immobility, kyphosis (forward rounding of the spine), and an increased risk of fractures (breaks) in the vertebrae. Kyphosis causes a bent-forward posture, even when attempting to stand straight.
It is recommended that you at least try sleeping on your back flat with no pillow for some portion of the night. There is a plethora of benefits to sleeping on your back, including the alignment of your spine and decreased pressure. If you can't sleep on your black flat, try lifting your knees a bit.
Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology, and fatigue is one of the main systemic symptoms of AS. The aim of the current study was to explore the mechanism of AS-associated fatigue (ASF) from multiple aspects, including neuropsychological changes.
Flying can be exhausting, and with a disease like ankylosing spondylitis you may experience increased symptoms like fatigue, pain, inflammation, and lower immunity. Knowing this in advance can empower you to prepare well for a successful flight and trip.
Neurological complications and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
July 18, 2025
A new peer-reviewed study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that ivarmacitinib, a new medication known as a selective JAK1 inhibitor, may be a promising treatment for people with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
Key takeaways
A positive test means HLA-B27 is present. It suggests a greater-than-average risk for developing or having certain autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies have shown these nutrients help control symptoms in people with rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for muscle activity, cell growth, and other body functions.
Your doctor may order a blood test to check for the HLA-B27 gene, which is present in most people with the disease. You may have the HLA-B27 gene and never develop ankylosing spondylitis, but it can give doctors more information when making a diagnosis.
In an earlier study HLA-B27 was found to correlate with some subgroups of schizophrenia, having an increased incidence specially in the subgroup of patients with poor prognostic features.
Misalignments in your spine can lead to nerve compression, disrupting signals that your brain sends to different body parts. This disruption can create a cascade of physical and emotional responses, often increasing feelings of anxiety.
The second drug group that has been used in the treatment of patients with AS comprises analgesics, muscle relaxants and low dose corticosteroids. They can be considered as adjuvant therapy. These drugs are helpful when NSAIDs are poorly tolerated or ineffective.
The therapy that was used to treat this disease previously could only alleviate the symptoms of inflammation. A new drug, i.e. seniprutug, was developed by the biotechnological company "BIOCAD" together with a group of scientists from the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University.
For long-term treatment, biologics are generally considered safer than prolonged steroid use. While steroids work quickly to reduce inflammation, they can cause serious side effects when used long-term, including: Bone loss and increased fracture risk. Weight gain and swelling.
Illness and death
According to his father, Biden was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2001 after returning from service in Kosovo.
In addition to common symptoms like back pain, one rare complication of spondylitis and other inflammatory conditions is cognitive impairment. Sometimes called “brain fog,” cognitive impairment can include mental changes such as temporary memory loss, forgetfulness, and difficulty remembering words or phrases.
Numbness or less feeling in the area supplied by the nerve. Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward. Tingling, or a pins and needles feeling. Muscle weakness in the affected area.
The FDA has approved five anti-TNF drugs for AS, but doctors tend to prescribe either adalimumab (Humira) or infliximab (Remicade) first. If they don't help, your doctor may try a second or even a third TNF blocker.
Finally, his brothers and reason prevailed. This time, Reynolds went to see a rheumatologist. After two years on a medical merry-go-round, the specialist diagnosed him with ankylosing spondylitis. Blood tests showed he carried HLA-B27, the genetic marker found in 90% of those diagnosed with AS.
With the appropriate adaptations and driving techniques, even someone with a completely fused neck can drive safely. You may well find an increase in pain and stiffness during prolonged periods of driving. So, on long journeys it is important to make frequent stops to stretch.
Also, keeping your spinal muscles strong allows them to support your joints. You don't have to lift heavy weights to effectively strengthen your back muscles—light hand weights and resistance training using your own body weight (as in yoga) can be effective.