Ankylosing spondylitis is a complex condition that can affect many different parts of your body. Some of the conditions that are associated with ankylosing spondylitis are briefly outlined below.

Uveitis

Uveitis, also known as iritis, is a condition that is sometimes associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Uveitis is inflammation of the eyes. If you have the condition, your eyes will become red, painful, and sensitive to light.

See your doctor, optician, or optometrist as soon as possible if you have ankylosing spondylitis, and one of your eyes becomes red and painful.

Although uveitis is easily treated using eye drops, if it is not treated quickly it can cause the loss of some, or all, of your vision. However, if uveitis is treated quickly, it usually clears up within 2-3 weeks.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle. In ankylosing spondylitis osteoporosis can develop in the spine.

Cardiovascular disease

If you have ankylosing spondylitis, your risk of developing a cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and stroke, is slightly higher than someone who does not have the condition.

Due to the increased risk, it is important to take steps to minimize your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Your rheumatologist can advise you about lifestyle changes that you can make in order to do this.

Rarer complications

Fixed posture

In very severe and rare cases of ankylosing spondylitis, the pain and stiffness in your lower back can also spread to the upper parts of your spine.

This can decrease the mobility of your spine, making it difficult to move and, as a result, your posture can become fixed in one position. However, it is unlikely that this will cause severe disability unless you also have severe arthritis in your hips.

Spinal fractures

Having ankylosing spondylitis increases your risk of developing fractures (breaks) in the vertebrae of your spine. This risk continues to increase with the duration of your condition.

Cauda equina syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is a very rare complication of ankylosing spondylitis that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of your spine become compressed.

Cauda equina syndrome causes symptoms such as pain, or numbness, in your lower back and buttocks, and weakness in your legs, which can affect your ability to walk. Cauda equina syndrome can also make controlling urine and stools (feces) difficult.

You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you have ankylosing spondylitis and you develop any of these symptoms.

Amyloidosis

Amyloid is a protein that is produced by cells in your bone marrow. Amyloidosis is a condition where amyloid builds up in organs, such as your heart, kidneys, and liver.

The symptoms of amylodosis are varied because the condition can affect many different areas of your body. However, in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.
In very cases, it is possible to develop amyloidosis as a complication of ankylosing spondylitis.