May 4 is observed as World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day an autoimmune(disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body) disease that primarily effects the bones of the body. It can spread up to your neck or damage joints in other parts of your body. World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day is celebrated to connect with each other and raise awareness.

it is a type of arthritis which affects the spine stiffening of joint or loss of mobility. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, though genetic factors seem to be involved. There’s no cure for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but treatment is available to help relieve the symptoms.

Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve or stop at irregular intervals

Treatment

• Medications
• Therapy (physical)
• Surgery

Besides seeing your doctor regularly and taking your medications as prescribed, here are some things you can do to help your condition.

• Stay active. Exercise can help ease pain, maintain flexibility and improve your posture.
• Apply heat and cold. Heat applied to stiff joints and tight muscles can ease pain and stiffness. Try heating pads and hot baths and showers. Ice on inflamed areas can help reduce swelling.
• Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. Smoking is generally bad for your health, but it creates additional problems for people with ankylosing spondylitis, including further hampering breathing.
• Practice good posture. Practicing standing straight in front of a mirror can help you avoid some of the problems associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

Facts

• The symptoms vary from person to person
• Misdiagnoses of other conditions are common
• AS strikes at a young age
• AS can have a huge impact on patients’ quality of life