At Your Appointment

Ankylosing Spondylitis Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Are you having any joint or back pain now? Where do you typically experience pain?
  • Does the pain improve or worsen with exercise?
  • Are you having any other symptoms, such as eye inflammation, skin rash, gastrointestinal problems or fatigue?
  • How is your ankylosing spondylitis affecting your quality of life? Are there activities or family responsibilities you are unable to do?
  • Are you following your ankylosing spondylitis treatment plan?
  • Describe your joint pain. It is in your back or other joints? When did it first occur?
  • For how long have you been having back or spinal pain? More or less than 3 months?
  • Has the pain changed in severity, or moved to other joints or locations in your body?
  • Do you have any other symptoms? Have you experienced any eye inflammation, skin rash, gastrointestinal problems or fatigue?
  • What have you done to relieve your pain so far? Have you taken any over-the-counter or prescription medications?
  • What treatments have you been using for your joint pain? Do you feel it is effective?
  • What have you been doing to alleviate your ankylosing spondylitis symptoms? Do you feel it's been effective?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • Do my symptoms mean I have ankylosing spondylitis? How do you make a definitive diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis?
  • What is the difference between ankylosing spondylitis and routine back pain?
  • What treatments are available to ease my pain? How long will I have to take them?
  • What should I do if my back and joint pain symptoms get worse?
  • Are there lifestyle changes, such as exercise or dietary changes, I can make to improve my back and joint pain symptoms?
  • What are the best ankylosing spondylitis treatment options for me?
  • For how long will I need to take medicine for ankylosing spondylitis?
  • Does having ankylosing spondylitis put me at risk for other health problems?
  • How often do I need to make appointments for follow-up? What are you looking for when I have follow-up appointments?
  • Are there other treatments for ankylosing spondylitis that would do a better job of controlling my symptoms?
  • Are my new or different symptoms an indication that my ankylosing spondylitis is getting worse?
  • Are there other treatments for ankylosing spondylitis that would do a better job of controlling my symptoms?
  • How would you categorize my ankylosing spondylitis: mild, moderate or severe?
  • Will I always have back and joint pain? Will the pain flare up, then go away?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Jul 16
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Ankylosing Spondylitis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354808
  2. Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Spondylitis Association of America. https://www.spondylitis.org/Ankylosing-Spondylitis/Diagnosis