If a person is having chronic pain in the back especially in the night for many months or years; if the back is stiff for extended periods especially in the morning or after a nap; if the ribs, hips, thighs, heels and shins are tender and painful; if there is inflammation in the eyes causing redness, pain, sensitivity to bright light and blurred vision at times, then these should be considered as warning symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

The symptoms vary from person to person to a greater extent. The back pain is a universal symptom. The pain and discomfort may be felt initially on just one side. It is not localized at one portion of the back. The pain, which is worse on the morning or during night times, can be reduced by having a warm shower or by doing light exercises. One may have mild fever, appetite loss or general discomfort in the early stages of this disease.

The pain and stiffness can spread to the spine and neck. It can also affect shoulder blades, ribs, thighs, shins and heels. The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can be different in men and women.  Women may experience pain starting initially in the neck rather than in lower back. The other symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include fatigue and moderate anemia. The inflammation causes fatigue as, to deal with it; the body tries to expand the energy level.

In some individuals the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis may start from a peripheral joint such as hip, elbow, ankle, heel or shoulders. This pain can be due to inflammation of the tendon or ligament which attaches to the bone. This is called as enthesitis. This may cause confusion; as, in the absence of back pain and it may be diagnosed as some other form of arthritis.

Other symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis may include bowel inflammation associated with colitis of the ulcer or with Crohn’s Disease. This disease is almost often accompanied by inflammation of the eyes. The symptoms include painfully red and watery eyes and sensitivity to bright light.

The advanced symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include a chronic and severe pain in the back, spine or peripheral joints and accompanied by stiffness.  This pain is at its peak especially after long periods of rest such as in the morning. There is also chronic inflammation and a possibility of fused spine which can lead to lack in mobility of the spine. The fused spine can even lead to disability. It can be even a greater potential disability if the knees, hips or shoulders are affected.