Medical experts warn of delayed diagnosis in ankylosing spondylitis

Medical experts from Memorial Hospital Spine Center and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Association (ASHAD) held a joint event to raise awareness about ankylosing spondylitis and discuss modern treatment methods.

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Aydoğan highlighted that the disease often begins in young adults and is frequently difficult to diagnose. He noted that common symptoms, such as lower back pain and morning stiffness, often subside with movement, which can lead patients to seek medical help during the day when symptoms are not present. This often results in delayed diagnosis, even when MRI scans appear normal.

Prof. Dr. Engin Çakar emphasized the importance of seeking immediate specialist consultation for nighttime pain and morning stiffness. He explained that while the disease can be controlled through early diagnosis, physical therapy, and medication, advanced cases involving spinal deformity may require surgical intervention to correct structural issues.