People with Ankylosing Spondylitis have an inflammation in their spine. This condition can cause severe back pain and stiffness. The pain resembles ordinary back pain and often appears after exertion or strain. Pain and inflammation is observed in joints like hip joints, shoulder, knees and the joints between the ribs and spine.

 Sometimes, the areas between bones and tendons or ligaments may also become inflamed and painful. The pain can radiate to the lower part of the back, buttocks and thighs. Initially it is confined to one side of the body or alternates between two sides. As the disease progresses, back stiffness may occur, especially in the mornings. This is due to inflammation in the spinal region. These symptoms may be accompanied by mild fever, loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss, mild anemia, fatigue etc.

The pain associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis can become chronic and last for months. The pain and stiffness may also spread to the neck, hips, shoulders and heels. People with advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis may experience difficulty in breathing due to restricted chest expansion. They may develop a forward stooping posture called kyphosis. Eye inflammation (uveitis) and bowel inflammation are also associated with more severe forms of Ankylosing Spondylitis.