Where does ankylosing spondylitis cause pain? 6 painful places with ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that often causes pain and discomfort in multiple parts of the body. For many people, knowing where the pain may occur with this disease can help them better manage and cope with their symptoms. The most common areas of pain are the lower back and hips. This is because ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing stiffness and pain in these areas, which is especially noticeable in the morning or after a long period of inactivity.

Next, ankylosing spondylitis can cause neck pain. As the disease progresses, inflammation may spread upward to the cervical spine, causing neck stiffness and discomfort. Sometimes, patients may feel that their neck movements are restricted, as if they are wearing an invisible "collar." This discomfort not only affects daily activities, but may also interfere with sleep.

The third most common area of ​​pain is the chest, specifically the rib cage. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation of the thoracic spine joints, which can cause pain or tightness in the chest when breathing. This pain can sometimes be mistaken for a heart problem, but it is actually caused by limited movement of the rib cage.

The shoulders and hips are also common sites of pain in ankylosing spondylitis. Shoulder pain may affect upper limb mobility, while hip pain may affect walking and other lower limb activities. Pain in these areas is often related to inflammation and may be relieved by activity.

Ankylosing spondylitis may also cause pain in the feet, especially in the heel area. Pain in the heels is often due to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, which are common complications of ankylosing spondylitis. This pain may be worse when you get up in the morning or after standing for a long time.

Ankylosing spondylitis can affect multiple parts of the body, causing varying degrees of pain and discomfort. Knowing where these pain sites are can help patients better manage their symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options with their doctor. Through proper exercise, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, many patients can effectively relieve pain and improve their quality of life. Hopefully, this article will provide you with some useful information to help you better understand and cope with ankylosing spondylitis.