What is Ankylosing spondylitis?
'''Ankylosing spondylitis''' ('''AS''') is a type of [[arthritis]]. There is a long-term [[inflammation]] of the [[joint]]s of the [[Vertebral column|spine]].<ref name=NIH2016>{{cite web|title=Questions and Answers about Ankylosing Spondylitis|url=http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/ankylosing_spondylitis/|website=NIAMS|access-date=28 September 2016|date=June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928175058/http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/ankylosing_spondylitis/|archive-date=28 September 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Usually the joints where the [[spine]] joins the [[pelvis]] (the sacroiliac joints) are also affected. [[Eye]] and [[bowel]] problems may also occur. Pain in the back is a typical [[symptom]] of AS, and it often comes and goes.<ref name=NIH2016/> Stiffness of the affected joints usually gets worse over time.<ref name=NIH2016/><ref>{{cite web|title=Ankylosing spondylitis|url=https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9518/ankylosing-spondylitis|website=GARD|access-date=28 September 2016|date=9 February 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002084025/https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9518/ankylosing-spondylitis|archive-date=2 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Ankylosing spondylitis inflames the sacroiliac joints located between the base of the spine and pelvis from there the disease starts and gradually captures the entire spinal cord and there is complete tilt in the body. Some of the bones in the spine fuse, this fusing makes the spine less flexible. If [[Rib|ribs]] are affected, it can be difficult to [[breathe]] deeply. == What are the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? == * Pain and stiffness * [[Joint]] pain * [[Neck (body part)|Neck]] pain * Back pain or [[Pelvis|hip]] pain * Stiffness in the body when waking up * Breathing Problems * [[Chest pain|Chest Pain]] * Bone fever * [[Fatigue]] * [[Sight|Vision]] Problems * Loss of [[appetite]] * Irritability If the pain in the back bone lasts more than 3 months and the stiffness is