Symptoms of an ankylosing spondylitis (AS) flare-up can include fatigue, back stiffness, fever, depression, and joint pain. To manage an AS flare-up, a person can try medication, gentle exercise, and heat or cold therapy, as well as other treatments.
A person living with AS may experience frequent flare-ups throughout their life.
There are two main types of AS flare-ups: generalized and localized.
Generalized AS flare-ups tend to be worse than localized AS flare-ups. They may cause burning pain in several joints of the body. In addition, a person will likely experience additional flu-like symptoms, tenderness, and muscle spasms.
Localized AS flare-ups affect only one part of the body. The symptoms can include immobility, pain, and fatigue.
This article reviews the common symptoms associated with AS flare-ups. It also looks at the treatment options available and how a person can help prevent flare-ups.
Research from 2017 states that people may experience three flare-ups in 3 months, each lasting up to 2 weeks.
People living with AS may experience various symptoms during a flare-up. Some common symptoms include the following:
- fatigue
- back stiffness and pain
- fever
- depression
- joint pain
Fatigue
Fatigue can be a sign of a flare-up and ongoing disease activity.
Some experts believe that fatigue may occur due to systemic inflammation. The body has to use energy to reduce the inflammation, which then leaves a person feeling drained and having low energy.
Other related causes of fatigue include pain, depression, and other factors that disrupt sleep.
Back stiffness and pain
AS flare-ups often come with an increase in back pain and stiffness. Pain can make resting and sleeping difficult or impossible for long periods.
Uncontrolled pain can lead to fatigue when a person is unable to get enough sleep each night.
Fever
Fever can be a symptom of a flare-up or the result of an infection. A person who develops a fever should consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
People who take certain medications, such as biologics, have a higher risk of developing an infection. Always report any fever to a healthcare professional so they can check for the presence of an infection.
Depression
As many as 75% of people experience emotional symptoms during an AS flare-up, such as depression. This may be due to the physical and mental strain that pain and stiffness can cause.
In addition, a
Pain in other joints
During a flare-up, a person may experience pain in joints beyond their lower back and pelvic region. Some people may have enthesitis, which is inflammation and stiffness where tendons or ligaments meet bones.
A person may experience pain in their:
- ankles
- knees
- rib cage
- neck
Many of the short-term symptoms of a flare-up can continue for a while. A person can also experience symptoms related to chronic inflammation from unmanaged AS.
Long-term symptoms of a flare-up can include:
- continuing back pain
- stiffness and pain in other joints
- difficulty moving and with flexibility
- uveitis, which is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye
- gastrointestinal (GI) issues
- difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- jaw pain and stiffness
Continuing back pain
Continuing or chronic lower back pain can come and go over time.
During a flare-up, the pain and stiffness can spike. After a flare-up, it may ease or go away entirely. However, it will eventually return.
Stiffness and pain in other joints
Though AS typically affects the spine in the lower back and the pelvic region, it can also affect other joints.
The pain often worsens during periods of inactivity, such as overnight or during a long stretch of sitting.
Trouble moving and with flexibility
The chronic inflammation associated with AS can cause damage to joints throughout the body. This can limit a person’s ability to move and their overall flexibility.
Some people may also develop new bone growth in their spine that fuses portions, further limiting their movement and flexibility.
Inflammation in the eyes
Up to 30% of people living with AS develop uveitis, a condition that affects the middle layer of the eye. The condition can cause pain, sensitivity to light, and redness in the eyes.
GI issues
About 10% of people living with AS develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The two conditions share some genetic links.
However, even people who do not develop IBD have a chance of developing GI symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and other symptoms.
Trouble breathing
People living with AS may develop chest pain and trouble breathing.
The inflammation can affect the rib cage and make it stiffer. When this occurs, it can make breathing painful or uncomfortable.
Jaw pain and stiffness
About 15% of people with AS develop inflammation in the mouth and jaw. When it affects the jaw, a person may have trouble fully opening their mouth during activities such as eating.
Just as symptoms a person experiences during an AS flare-up can differ, so can the time they last.
Some estimate that people living with AS experience approximately three flare-ups in 3 months. These can last up to 2 weeks at a time.
Working with a healthcare professional is the best way to determine the best treatment.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever that could indicate an underlying illness should consider seeking treatment.
Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are the first-line treatment. A doctor may prescribe biologics if NSAIDs do not work.
Other common treatment methods for a flare-up include:
- cold or heat therapy
- gentle exercise
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
TENS helps to block nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain.
Learn more about the effects of ankylosing spondylitis on the body and how to treat them.
Experts do not fully understand the exact causes of AS flare-ups.
Some anecdotal information suggests that possible causes could include stress, both physical and emotional, and overexertion. Excessive fatigue can also trigger AS flare-ups.
A person living with AS may not be able to prevent all flare-ups.
Some steps they can take to help prevent flare-ups or to cope with them include:
- taking steps to manage mental health, such as anxiety and depression
- making plans for how to cope with a flare-up when they arise
- taking time to rest during daily routines
- following all treatment recommendations
- getting regular exercise and eating a balanced, nutritious diet
AS flare-ups can cause various symptoms when they first occur. They can also persist for a more extended period.
Flare-ups can involve both physical symptoms, such as pain in the lower back and fatigue, as well as mental health symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
Doctors may recommend a combination of medication and therapies to help a person treat a flare-up. A person may be able to reduce their chance of having a flare-up by taking steps to manage their condition, stress levels, and fatigue.