There isn't one single "gold standard," but rather a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests (like HLA-B27), and imaging, with X-rays traditionally the hallmark for structural damage and MRI crucial for early inflammation detection, especially in diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). For management, consistent, tailored exercise is paramount, alongside medications like NSAIDs and sometimes biologics.
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.
NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed drugs for a disease similar to AS called nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). Both prescription and over-the-counter NSAIDs appear safe up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, but may cause serious kidney problems in a fetus if taken longer.
Inner Ear Inflammation
4 These are tests used to assess the inner ear function of balance. In the study, people with ankylosing spondylitis were found to have lower than normal vestibular system functioning. This is known to cause vertigo, dizziness, and trouble with balance.
Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include back pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back and hips. These symptoms may be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Other symptoms include vision changes or eye pain, skin rashes and stomach pain.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine. It may also affect peripheral joints like the knees, ankles, and hips. Normally, the joints and ligaments in the spine help us move and bend.
These rashes can appear as raised bumps, scaly patches, or blisters. Sensitivity to touch. Touching the affected area may elicit tenderness or discomfort. Spreading or changing shape.
Among individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), mild low-frequency hearing loss is common and is more likely to be conductive rather than sensorineural, according to study results published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Iritis, also known as acute anterior uveitis, is a condition sometimes associated with AS where the front part of the eye becomes red and swollen. It usually only affects 1 eye, rather than both.
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.
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.
Illness and death
According to his father, Biden was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2001 after returning from service in Kosovo.
HUMIRA Dosing for Ankylosing Spondylitis
The recommended dose is 40 mg every other week. Always follow your doctor's instructions about when and how often to take HUMIRA. HUMIRA is given by an injection under the skin. Your first dose of HUMIRA must be given under the supervision of a health care professional.
A. Ovchinnikov. Seniprutug is the world's first drug that has the potential not only to relieve the symptoms of the disease, but also to stop its progression. «Our development for ankylosing spondylitis is based on a completely new principle of drug action.
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.
The name has recently changed to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) based on the 2009 ASAS classification criteria to better include early disease, theoretically before the occurrence of bony structural damage [2]. Initially it mainly affects the sacroiliac joints (SIJ), and, usually later, the spinal column.
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause brain fog, which makes it hard to think and remember things. People with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Getting good sleep can help improve thinking and memory problems.
Common bowel problems with ankylosing spondylitis
Some common GI symptoms you may experience related to ankylosing spondylitis include: Diarrhea. Bloating. Change in bowel habits.
Given the role of vitamin D in promoting bone health and its anti-inflammatory properties, people with spondylitis might benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement.
Lumbar spondylosis was considered to be the major cause of the urological and skeletal symptoms; the diagnosis of a neuropathic bladder depended as much on features in the history as on the results of urological and neurological investigations.
If the upper roots, C2, C3 and C4, are irritated they may complain of occipital headaches, often typical of migraine, with pain radiating to the eyes and behind the ears, blurring of vision, dizziness and nausea especially when attempting to lie down, numbness of the side of the neck, tension and “knots” in the neck ...
There are no specific lab tests to identify ankylosing spondylitis. Certain blood tests, including erythrocyte sedimentary rate, also called sed rate, and C-reactive protein (CRP), can check for markers of inflammation, but many different health issues can cause inflammation. Blood can be tested for the HLA-B27 gene.
Three key signs of Sjögren's syndrome are dry eyes, dry mouth, and chronic fatigue, stemming from the autoimmune system attacking moisture-producing glands, leading to gritty, burning eyes, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and persistent tiredness, often accompanied by joint pain and swollen glands.
Early lupus warning signs often mimic other illnesses, but key indicators include extreme fatigue, fever, joint pain/swelling, skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash on the face), hair loss, and sensitivity to sunlight, alongside potential issues like headaches, mouth sores, and fingers/toes turning white or blue in the cold (Raynaud's). These symptoms can appear suddenly or slowly and come and go in flares.
“There's usually no single test to diagnose autoimmune disease. You have to have certain symptoms combined with specific blood markers and in some cases, even a tissue biopsy. It's not just one factor.” Diagnosis can also be difficult because these symptoms can come from other common conditions.