It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Diagnosis and treatment for Ankylosing spondylitis should be started early before the disease causes long lasting damage. Anti-inflammatory drugs are very successful in treating the disease. Other medications are suggested if the anti-inflammatory drugs don’t work. Physical therapy is also essential in treatment. In rare cases surgery is recommended. Diagnosis is mainly through a physical exam to check spine movement as well as trying to press on different locations and check the pain response. Imaging tests can be helpful but might not show anything in the early onset.