This Hidden Condition May Be Progressing Without You Knowing
Not all back pain is the same.
Some forms of chronic pain aren’t caused by poor posture, age, or a pulled muscle — but by something much more serious, and often overlooked for years.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can silently damage your spine, joints, and even your internal organs — long before most people realize it.
Why You Might Not Recognize It
AS doesn't always present like other forms of arthritis.
It often begins with mild back stiffness — typically in your 20s, 30s or 40s — and improves with movement, which is why so many people ignore it.
But as time passes, the inflammation can lead to irreversible spinal fusion, reduced mobility, and long-term disability.
Early Signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Persistent pain in the lower back or buttocks
• Stiffness in the morning or after sitting still
• Pain that gets better with movement but returns at rest
• Difficulty bending, twisting, or standing upright
• Fatigue, poor sleep, or chronic discomfort
• In some cases: eye inflammation, blurred vision, or redness
These signs may seem harmless — but they could point to a deeper problem.
Silent Progression = Long-Term Damage
If left untreated, AS can lead to:
• Fusion of spinal vertebrae
• Permanent stiffness and loss of posture
• Rib cage rigidity (difficulty breathing)
• Eye and heart complications in advanced stages
The longer AS goes unnoticed, the more difficult it becomes to control.