Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that can cause spine and joint pain, stiffness and fusion. Learn about the signs, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options for this condition. Spondylitis is a category of several types of arthritis that usually affect the back. We explain the different types of spondylitis, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Spondylitis is inflammation of the spine that causes pain, stiffness, and deformity. Learn about the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments of spondylitis, and how it can affect your daily life and disability status. Ankylosing Spondylitis 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). It causes typical arthritis symptoms like pain and stiffness, but it can also cause digestive symptoms, rashes and weight loss.
