Ankylosing Spondylitis
Morning stiffness in the lower back at a young age – disc problems and other inflammatory pain.
Lower back pain that worsens with rest is different.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the spine, typically starting in people aged 20 to 30 (more common in men). It presents with a pattern opposite to disc-related back pain.
- Stiffness and pain in the lower back and buttocks upon waking up in the morning (lasting for more than 30 minutes), which improves with movement.
- Symptoms worsen with rest, and early morning pain can disrupt sleep.
- If you experience inflammatory low back pain lasting longer than 3 months at a young age, consider getting tested by a rheumatologist (HLA-B27, sacroiliac joint imaging). This is a disease that often takes several years to diagnose, so if you suspect it, seek medical attention.
Source: 질병관리청 희귀질환헬프라인 · as of 2026-08-13
Treatment can help slow down the hardening of the spine.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs are the primary treatment, and if inflammation is not controlled, biological agents (such as TNF inhibitors) are used to manage it.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is eligible for national health insurance coverage – Upon registration, patients pay 10% of the cost.
- Exercise is half of the treatment: Perform stretching, swimming, and posture exercises daily. Smoking accelerates spinal stiffness, so quitting smoking is essential.
- Uveitis (inflammation of the eye) can easily occur with sudden redness and pain in the eyes. If you experience any eye symptoms, immediately visit an ophthalmologist and inform them that you have this condition.
Source: 질병관리청 희귀질환헬프라인 · as of 2026-08-13
Frequently asked questions
The lumbar disc test results were normal, but I'm still in pain.
Some cases of chronic lower back pain, even when the disc and X-ray results are normal, may be caused by inflammation. If you experience morning stiffness or improvement with exercise, consider consulting a rheumatologist.
Does the spine eventually become completely rigid?
The progression varies greatly from person to person, and many patients maintain flexibility for a long time through early treatment and consistent exercise. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the outcome.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 희귀질환헬프라인 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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