MedifocusHealth

Daily pain, stiffness, and fatigue, the three most common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), have been reported to occur in up to 70% of AS patients. In some patients, persistent pain may continue over many decades. A survey to assess the pain levels of 83 patients in a rheumatology clinic approximately 15 years after diagnosis with ankylosing spondylitis, revealed that approximately 70% found pain to be either constant or progressive over the years. Stiffness may also be progressive over the decades.

About 10% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis also report trouble sleeping resulting in moderate to severe fatigue. Fatigue has been linked to the severity of pain, stiffness, and functioning disability. Many patients in this study also expressed confidence that if their sleep disturbances could be resolved, their level of fatigue would also diminish. It is, therefore, important for patients with ankylosing spondylitis who experience significant sleep disturbances to discuss with their health care provider the various treatment options and lifestyle modifications available to improve sleep habits in order to minimize or reduce the degree of fatigue.