Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by a persistent inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The chronic inflammation in the spine eventually leads to a cementing of the vertebrae. This process is known as ankylosis. Ankylosis results in the loss of mobility of the spine. The usual symptoms of the disease include fatigue associated with irritation of the spine, lower back, upper buttock, and the neck. The onset of pain and a rigor mortis kind of stiffness is gradual and worsens with time.

People who have contracted this form of arthritis have tested positive for the HLA-27 type of gene. A diagnosis of the ankylosing spondylitis starts wit a visit to a rheumatologist since such a doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating ailments affecting the muscles, joints, tendons, bones, ligaments and connective tissue. A methodical physical exam starts with assembling the patient’s medical history, X-rays as well as assessing the family history of ankylosing spondylitis. Blood tests especially designed to detect the presence of the HLA-B27 gene are also conducted on the patient.

There are some typical factors that guide a doctor while making a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. Usually, the onset of the disease is under 35 years of age with the pain being repeatedly persistent over a period of at least three months. The back pain is known to worsen especially at night times and in the early mornings. However, this pain is known to ease out with moderate physical activity. A patient suffering from this disorder will respond positively to NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

A physical examination will involve looking for sites of inflammation and soreness. The typical areas that may show such signs are the back, sacroiliac joints, pelvic bones, chest and heels. A check of the mobility of the spine may also be conducted. Other indicators of this disease are a history of gastrointestinal infections, a history of iritis or uveitis, a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or fatigue due to the presence of inflammation.
The X-rays that may be taken as a part of the physical examination show erosion indicating the presence of sacroiliitis. It is worth noting that a positive test for HLA-B27 gene does not necessarily indicate the vulnerability towards the disease. Studies show that people who suffer from ankylosing spondylitis have this gene in them, but that doesn’t mean that everyone who has this gene will contract the disease.