If you suspect you have inflammatory back pain or ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Your first step is to go to your GP. You should be ready to explain:
- What symptoms you are experiencing
- How long these have been going on (weeks, months, years)
- How the symptoms started (suddenly or came on slowly over time)
- What impact your symptoms are having on your daily life / what are they stopping you from doing (be sure to highlight any issues around the sleeping and your working life)
If your GP suspects AS you should be referred to a rheumatologist at a hospital
A rheumatologist is a doctor specialising in conditions such as AS. They will confirm if your condition is AS, decide the initial treatment and oversee the long term management of your condition.
Tests which might be used to help diagnosis your AS might include:
A physical examination by a nurse, physiotherapist or the rheumatologist to assess your flexibility and joint tenderness.
Blood tests including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), which measure the level of inflammation in your body, and a genetic test which can identify if you have the HLA-B27 gene. Around 90-95% of people with AS in Europe carry this particular gene.
X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which will show whether or not there is any inflammation or damage to the joints.
Last reviewed: November 2010