Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic auto-inflammatory disease. People with the condition may experience a worsening of symptoms from time to time, also known as a flare. Learn more about the signs of an AS flare and how it can be managed.
Living with AS can feel like a roller coaster at times. You may have days where your symptoms are minor or nonexistent. Long periods without symptoms are known as remission.
On other days, worsening symptoms can come out of nowhere and linger for several days, weeks, or months. These are known as flares. Understanding the early signs of a flare can help you manage your symptoms and reduce the discomfort caused by them.
You
When a flare starts, you
If you experience stiffness from AS, it can be helpful to maintain good posture and do some light exercise to maintain mobility, such as gentle stretching.
Pain may gradually or suddenly appear with an AS flare. If the flare is minor, you may feel this in just one area of your body. Major flares could cause all of your movements to be painful.
While uncommon, some people report flu-like symptoms when experiencing an AS flare. This may include widespread joint and muscle aches. However, fever, chills, and sweating are more consistent with an infection, so you should speak with a doctor to rule this out.
Flares may cause you to feel more tired than usual. This is typically because of inflammation or chronic anemia caused by inflammation.
The inflammation caused by AS may alter your digestive tract. This may lead to abdominal pain or diarrhea. You may also find yourself without an appetite during a flare. A doctor can help you understand what fo
You may find your emotional state drops when you sense early signs of an AS flare. It can be difficult to manage a condition like AS, especially when you have experienced uncomfortable flares in the past.
This may cause you to be more susceptible to feelings of despair, anger, or withdrawal when another flare begins. These kinds of feelings are not uncommon with chronic disease.
If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, it’s important to talk with a doctor. They can refer you to a mental health professional for support.
AS is a chronic auto-inflammatory condition. This means your immune system triggers inflammation in one or more places in your body from time to time, causing flare-ups.
For AS, inflammation most commonly occurs in the spine and hips. Specifically, it often occurs in the sacroiliac joints on either side of the lower spine in the pelvis. It may also occur in other areas of your body, particularly near your joints and where tendons and ligaments meet bone.
There isn’t a single known cause for an AS flare. However, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that both your genes and environment
There are two types of AS flares. Localized flares occur in just one area of the body and are classified as minor. Generalized flares occur throughout the body and are classified as major.
However, minor flares may turn into major flares.
AS flares can occur in many places in the body, including your:
- neck
- back
- spine
- buttocks (sacroiliac joints)
- hips
- ribs and chest, especially where your ribs connect with your sternum
- eyes
- shoulders
- heels
- knees
Keep in mind that flare symptoms vary from person to person. You may experience some of these early symptoms of a flare but not others. Early flare symptoms may change over time, or you may notice the same ones each time a flare begins.
You can manage your AS with lifestyle measures, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies. However, flares, whether local or general, may require more aggressive treatment.
A doctor may prescribe medications like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers or interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors in addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
These medications usually require a visit to your doctor’s office or a trip to the pharmacy. Some medications are available in oral form, while others might be injectable or given intravenously.
You may also want to try other methods for treating flares at home. These include:
- staying active with appropriate exercise, such as tai chi
- taking warm, relaxing baths
- getting extra sleep
- meditating
- applying heat or ice to inflamed areas
- engaging in a low-key hobby like reading or watching a favorite television show or movie
If you experience any emotional changes that occur during flares, it can be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. They can share coping techniques to help you through the psychological challenges of the condition. These can help you manage your mood and outlook when a flare arises.
What does an ankylosing spondylitis flare feel like?
An ankylosing spondylitis flare can feel like a worsening of symptoms, such as severe muscle pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness.
What does ankylosing spondylitis fatigue feel like?
Ankylosing spondylitis fatigue can feel like a persistent lack of energy, which can make it difficult to perform your usual activities. You may also experience brain fog.
Will I end up in a wheelchair with ankylosing spondylitis?
It is very rare that you will need a wheelchair with ankylosing spondylitis. However, in very severe cases, a wheelchair may be required to help with mobility from spinal stiffness and joint damage.
AS flares can come out of nowhere, and symptoms vary from person to person. Understanding early signs of a flare may help you keep up with your daily activities and know when it’s time to rest and take care of yourself.
It’s not always possible to avoid flares, but being aware of your body and early signs may help you lessen the effects of the condition.