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Ankylosing spondylitis

Back pain and stiffness in a young adult that is WORSE after rest and BETTER with movement. It is inflammatory, not mechanical — and it is frequently missed for years.

Do not wait for an appointment

Early diagnosis changes the long-term outcome.

  • Back pain before the age of 45 that has lasted more than three months
  • Stiffness in the morning lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Pain that wakes you in the second half of the night
  • It gets BETTER with exercise and WORSE with rest — the opposite of ordinary back pain
  • A red painful eye, psoriasis, or bowel inflammation
  • A family member with the same problem

Do this

  • Exercise every day. In this condition exercise is the treatment, not an add-on
  • Daily spine and chest expansion exercises — Sheet 05
  • Swim if you can. It is close to ideal for this
  • Sleep flat on a firm mattress with one thin pillow
  • Stop smoking. Smoking measurably worsens this disease
  • Ask for a rheumatology referral — the modern drugs have changed this condition entirely

Avoid this

  • Prolonged bed rest. It stiffens the spine permanently
  • Accepting "it is just back pain" if the pattern above fits you
  • Slouching. Posture in this condition becomes permanent
  • Stopping the exercises when you feel well

The questions everybody asks

Why did it take so long to diagnose?

Because it looks like ordinary back pain, and the blood tests are often normal.

The pattern is what gives it away — young, over three months, morning stiffness, better with movement. If that is you, say so; it is the history that makes the diagnosis, not the scan.

Will my spine fuse?

Far less often than it used to.

Modern treatment has changed the natural history of this disease substantially. Daily exercise and the right medication protect the spine.

Do I need to see a rheumatologist?

Yes — this is their condition.

We help with the mechanical problems and the exercise programme. The disease itself is managed by rheumatology, and the earlier that starts the better.

Open the exercise sheet

Pictures, how many and how often, and what it should feel like. Free, and printable.

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm  ·  7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.