Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease of the spinal ligaments and joints and is especially common in young men. The severity can vary from localised tenderness in the lower back to immobility of the entire spine and involvement in other parts of the body i.e. heart, eyes etc. Remissions and relapses occur, and it tends to become inactive over time, sometimes leaving some degree of deformity. Treatment is usually by medication and physiotherapy.
Classifications:
Mild - Mild or no deformaties, no disability, no continuous treatment required.
Moderate - Extensive joint involvement, limitation of movement, frequent or continuous therapy.
Severe - Chronic disease, severe symptoms or deformaty, frequent or prolonged disability.
If no other condition exists and there is no history of chronic disease or severe symptoms then no worries.
Mild with disease inactive should be no problem. With disease active could start creating problems.