Diseases

Bekhterev's Arthritis

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Ankylosing spondylitis (as) is a type of arthritis in which there is long term inflammation of the joints of the spine. Typically the joints where the spine joins the pelvis are also affected. ... As is a type of seronegative spondyloarthropathy, meaning that tests show no presence of rheumatoid factor (rf) antibodies.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are related to inflammation of the spine, joints, and other parts of the body. Fatigue is a common symptom associated with active inflammation. Inflammation of the spine causes pain and stiffness in the low back, upper buttock area, neck, and the remainder of the spine.

CAUSES

Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic disease, meaning it can affect tissues throughout the body, not just the spine. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in and injury to other joints away from the spine manifest as arthritis, as well as to other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.