Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, heart, and lungs.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive condition, meaning that it tends to get worse over time. While the rate of progression may vary from person to person, it generally becomes more severe as the person ages.
The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can be managed with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, these treatments may not stop the progression of the disease. As the condition gets worse, the pain and stiffness can become more intense and take longer to resolve.
The severity of ankylosing spondylitis can also increase with age. As the spine starts to fuse together, the range of motion can become more limited and even painful. This can lead to a decreased quality of life and increased disability.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an unpredictable disease, and it is not possible to determine how quickly or severely it will progress. However, it is important to remember that there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life.