Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with several other conditions, most commonly acute anterior uveitis (eye inflammation), inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), and psoriasis (a skin condition). Other related issues include osteoporosis, heart problems (aortic inflammation), lung fibrosis, fatigue, and sometimes depression, often stemming from the same underlying inflammatory processes.
Lower back pain is the hallmark symptom of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). However, the joint diseases can also impact other parts of the body, including the jaw. Painful jaw movement can make it difficult to swallow, eat, speak, and even open your mouth.
Impaired spinal mobility, postural abnormalities, buttock pain, hip pain, peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, and dactylitis are all commonly associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
Spondyloarthropathies (SpA) encompasses a group of chronic, inflammatory autoimmune diseases including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related, and reactive arthritis (ReA).
Common bowel problems with ankylosing spondylitis
Some common GI symptoms you may experience related to ankylosing spondylitis include: Diarrhea. Bloating.
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause issues with the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. When the aorta gets inflamed, it can swell and change the shape of the aortic valve in the heart.
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 is a form of reactive arthritis following Klebsiella infection, usually occurring in an HLA-B27-positive individual.
Reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome) is a rare, temporary form of inflammatory arthritis that's triggered by a bacterial infection. It causes pain and stiffness in your joints, especially in your lower body.
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.
Many people with AS also develop other autoimmune conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, and uveitis. This happens because the immune system, which is supposed to protect the body, becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissues.
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.
X-ray Changes
A “bamboo spine” is the typical x-ray finding in the later stages of ankylosing spondylitis, where there is fusion of the sacroiliac and spinal joints. X-rays in ankylosing spondylitis can show: Squaring of the vertebral bodies. Subchondral sclerosis and erosions.
How Ankylosing Spondylitis Affects Your Chest and Ribs. When the inflammation of AS reaches your chest, it can inflame the joints in your ribs to cause costochondritis. This is a harmless condition, but it's painful. It can last for weeks and even up to a year, but it usually goes away on its own.
The 3-finger test for TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is a simple self-assessment where you stack your index, middle, and ring fingers vertically and try to fit them between your upper and lower front teeth; comfortably fitting three fingers suggests healthy jaw opening, while difficulty fitting them, pain, or clicking indicates potential restrictions or a TMJ disorder (Trismus) that might need professional evaluation. It's a quick screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis, to check your jaw's range of motion.
Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that can cause neck and shoulder pain, often in people over 40. A GP should check more serious cases affecting the spine.
Reactive arthritis, previously known as Reiter's Syndrome or Disease was a post-dysenteric, asymmetrical acute large joint polyarthritis, with fever, conjunctivitis, iritis, purulent urethral discharge, rash and penile soft tissue swelling.
What's the First Red Flag of Psoriatic Arthritis? Many people get psoriasis, the skin disease first. However, joint pain, swelling and stiffness—particularly in the morning–are often the first hallmark signs of the disease.
The primary symptom of enthesitis is pain, which patients may describe as severe or burning. It also may cause tenderness or stiffness. Enthesitis usually is not accompanied by swelling. Enthesitis tends to occur in locations that undergo pressure from daily activities, such as walking, sitting, or standing.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a condition which affects 20 million people worldwide and is likely caused or initiated by a bowel infection from Klebsiella bacteria.
Illness and death
According to his father, Biden was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2001 after returning from service in Kosovo.
Klebsiella bacteria are mostly spread through person-to-person contact. Less commonly, they are spread by contamination in the environment. As with other healthcare-associated infections, the bacteria can be spread in a health care setting via the contaminated hands of health care workers.
Neurological complications and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
After a positive test, your doctor may suggest regular monitoring, even if you feel well. According to Verywell Health, recurring inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints is often linked to HLA-B27 positivity. This inflammation can cause low back pain and stiffness.