Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) causes inflammation, pain and stiffness of the spine, and can affect joints and tendons. Later, it sometimes causes the bones in the spine to fuse together. AS can affect other parts of the body including the eyes, lungs, the heart and the kidneys, and it can increase the risk of bone fractures.
Common symptoms of AS are low back pain and stiffness, which is worse after inactivity, such as first thing in the morning, and which improves with movement.
Treatment depends on the symptoms and on the severity of the AS. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, maintaining flexibility and avoiding complications, to best allow people with AS to carry on their lives as normally as possible.
Dr Simon Paul specialises in looking after people with AS using a holistic approach, which may include medications and injections, exercise and other non-medicine-based therapies, all tailored to the person’s individual circumstances. Successful treatment allows the person to take control of the disease and reduce symptoms, maintain flexibility and avoid complications.

For further information on Ankylosing Spondylitis please visit the Versus Arthritis website:  CLICK HERE