Neck pain with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) typically feels like stiffness, a dull ache, or burning, often worse in the morning or after rest, and can stem from inflammation in the cervical spine's joints and ligaments, potentially progressing from the lower back or starting there, leading to limited movement like difficulty looking up/down or side-to-side, sometimes causing poor posture that stresses the neck.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) causes inflammation that can lead to pain and stiffness in areas of your body. One common area you may notice this discomfort is in your neck. The pain may be especially noticeable first thing in the morning, at night, or after you haven't moved for a while.
Myositis is an autoimmune disease involving chronic inflammation that leads to the weakening of muscles over time, particularly those in the neck, shoulders, hips and back. It may be painful, too. The muscle inflammation is from the immune system losing tolerance of the muscle.
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.
Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones, known as bone spurs. Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in your spine. It usually develops in your sacroiliac joints (where the bottom of your spine joins your pelvis).
Neurological complications and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
Introduction. Focal inflammatory myositis in the head and neck targets a focal muscle group. The aetiology is unknown, but it generally presents as a pseudotumour with localised pain,1 a rapidly enlarging neck mass,2 and it usually affects skeletal muscles.
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.
The vast majority of women with ankylosing spondylitis can expect to have the same rate of fertility, course of pregnancy and birth, and to give birth to normal healthy babies to the same extent as the normal female population. The chance for the offspring to contract AS later in life is somewhat increased.
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.
heaviness or weakness in your arms or legs. pins and needles in an arm, as well as pain in your neck or arm. neck pain that is worse when you move. pain between your shoulder blades.
Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and can be taken as injections by people with AS. If a particular joint is inflamed, corticosteroids can be injected directly into the joint. You'll need to rest the joint for up to 48 hours after the injection.
Call your healthcare professional if you have neck pain that: Worsens in spite of self-care. Persists after several weeks of self-care. Radiates down your arms or legs.
Cauda equina syndrome is a very rare complication of AS that occurs when nerves at the bottom of your spine become compressed (compacted). Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include: sciatica on both sides of your body. weakness or numbness in both legs that is severe or getting worse.
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 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.
Signs of this condition include:
Neck pain red flags signal serious underlying issues needing immediate care, including neurological signs like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance/coordination trouble, or bladder/bowel dysfunction; signs of infection or tumor like fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, or severe night pain; or symptoms after trauma, such as severe pain, weakness, or neurological deficits, especially if you're over 55 or have a cancer history.
One key factor to note is how long the pain has lasted. Most neck strains start to feel much better within a few days or a couple of weeks. Underlying cervical spine disorders tend to cause pain that lasts longer than a few weeks, comes and goes, and may gradually become worse.
A diagnosis of AS can usually be confirmed if an X-ray shows inflammation of the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis) and you have at least 1 of the following: at least 3 months of lower back pain that gets better with exercise and doesn't improve with rest.
Abstract. Imaging is an integral part of the management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis. Characteristic radiographic and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are key in the diagnosis. Radiography and MRI are also useful in monitoring the disease.
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.