Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, with progression, can result in vertebrae in the spine to fuse. This can result in significant pain and stiffness that can be treated with various medications and treatments such as Upadacitinib, Cimzia, Xeljanz, Stelara, Enbrel, Simponi, Infliximab. Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific cause, but a common pattern of genetic factors seem to be involved—individuals with the gene HLA-B27 are at a much greater risk of developing the disease. Some early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include:

1. Stiffness after long periods of rest

Joints typically stiffen up after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting for long periods. However, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, this becomes worsened as the joints and spine are already very inflamed. You may notice as the disease progresses that the stiffness is particularly experienced in your spine, as this is where the vertebrae are fusing together, and this results in rigidity and inflexibility.

2. Fatigue

Ankylosing spondylitis related fatigue is often attributed to the significant inflammation. Cytokines, small protein-based chemicals, are released with inflamed tissues and they are believed to have a big impact on fatigue, weakness, and pain. If you experience a tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest, it is likely a result of fatigue.

3. Appetite loss and weight loss

You will come to learn that inflammation has a big impact on your health and body as a whole. With ankylosing spondylitis, you may experience a loss of appetite which occurs as a result of the inflammation in your body. This, in turn, can result in weight loss and the inability to maintain a healthy weight.

4. Anemia

Some patients with ankylosing spondylitis will develop anemia (deficiency of red blood cells) due to the pathogenesis of it in the disease, attributed to the protein-based chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines are associated with the development of anemia, and when your body produces more of this chemical with inflammation, you are more likely to develop a deficiency in your red blood cells.

5. Pain in neck and back

As a result of inflammation and the fusing of your vertebrae, you will likely experience pain in your spine that travels up from your neck to your lower back. If the pain becomes severe, you should speak to your doctor about medications and treatment options to help.