Spondyloarthropathy is a progressive inflammatory disease that typically causes lower back pain and stiffness. Ankylosing spondylitis is the most known type of spondyloarthropathy. It affects the joints in your spine and 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 also causes digestive symptoms, rashes, and weight loss. Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis works best when it is started early before any permanent damage is done as the goal is to relieve pain and stiffness, maintain flexibility, and prevent or slow changes to the spine. Treatment options include medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases of pain or if a damaged hip joint needs to be replaced.
