Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or Bechterew’s disease, is an inflammatory disease that can cause the vertebrae in the spine to fuse together. The fusing that takes place will make the spine less flexible and can lead to a curvature of the spine culminating in a stood posture. This disease predominantly affects males in their teens 20s, and is less common in women. Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis may include pain and stiffness in the neck, lower back, and hips. These signs and symptoms are predominant in the morning and after long periods of inactivity. The harshness of this disease varies from person to person. Not everyone will experience all of the symptoms and may not be as severe as to develop spinal fusion. Symptoms
