The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, however the gene HLA-B27 has been associated with the disease. People with this gene are thought to be at higher risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. A child has a 15 per cent chance of developing the disease if a parent has it.

The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is based on the patient’s symptoms, imaging tests, an examination of the spine and family history.

“There is currently no cure for ankylosing spondylitis but early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the progression of the disease and improve symptoms​. A significant proportion of patients are later able to be off medications. ​The challenge is in diagnosing the condition early, as our record shows that on average, patients are only diagnosed with this condition 5 years after the onset of symptoms. A lot of patients suffer from the pain and stiffness during the most productive years of their lives, affecting their work and studies, but early treatment can change that,” advises Dr Warren Fong​, Senior Consultant at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology and the Autoimmunity and Rheumatology Cen​tre, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group.

Early treatment of the condition can reduce the rate of disease progression and help prevent the severe, long-term consequences of this inflammatory condition, such as a twisted or severely hunched back, blindness and heart problems. It can also help improve work productivity in patients with this condition.

Read on to learn about the treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis​.​​​​​

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