Ankylosing spondylitis

This type of chronic joint arthritis primarily affects the spine and pelvis. Though the exact mechanism behind it has yet to be fully understood, it appears to be an autoimmune disease associated with a strong hereditary predisposition.

Men are more often affected than women, and the disease typically manifests in people aged 15 to 30 years old. Initially, sufferers often complain of pain in the region of the buttocks and lower back, with symptoms that can resemble simple sciatica. The pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis is different, however, in that it is more pronounced late at night, fading during the day to return in the evening.
The treatment primarily consists in administering anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. For very severe forms, biological drugs can also be used. As with all forms of arthritis, getting sufficient exercise and living healthily play a significant role.