Rheumatology in Lagos
Ankylosing Spondylitis (Axial Spondyloarthritis)
The signs, what causes it, and treatment in Lagos from ₦66,000, with the full price shown before you book or pay.
Signs to look for
Ankylosing Spondylitis (Axial Spondyloarthritis)
- Low back or buttock pain that started before 45 and has lasted more than three months
- Waking in the second half of the night because of back pain
- Stiffness in the morning that eases with movement and exercise, not with rest
- Pain that improves within two days of an anti-inflammatory painkiller
- Heel pain or pain where tendons attach to bone
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Ankylosing spondylitis is inflammation of the joints of the spine and the pelvis, usually starting in teenagers and young adults. It belongs to a family called axial spondyloarthritis; when the X-ray is still normal it is called non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and is found on an MRI scan. Unlike ordinary back pain, it is worst after rest and better with movement. Many people in Nigeria live with it for years as 'waist pain' before anyone thinks of it. NICE lists the features that should lead to a rheumatologist, set out below. Exercise and anti-inflammatory treatment control it for most people, and newer treatments help when those are not enough.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Low back or buttock pain that started before 45 and has lasted more than three months
- Waking in the second half of the night because of back pain
- Stiffness in the morning that eases with movement and exercise, not with rest
- Pain that improves within two days of an anti-inflammatory painkiller
- Heel pain or pain where tendons attach to bone
- A painful red eye with blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Tiredness
When to See a Doctor
Go to an emergency department now for numbness around the back passage or genitals, loss of bladder or bowel control, or weakness in both legs: these are spinal emergencies, whatever the cause. Get help the same day for a painful red eye with blurred vision or sensitivity to light, which can be uveitis. NICE advises seeing a rheumatologist when back pain began before 45, has lasted more than three months, and comes with four or more of: onset before 35, waking in the second half of the night, buttock pain, improvement with movement, improvement within two days of anti-inflammatory painkillers, a parent, brother, sister or child with spondyloarthritis, past or present arthritis, heel or tendon pain, or psoriasis.
Treatment options
- Daily exercise and stretching, the foundation of treatment
- Physiotherapy to keep the spine and chest moving
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs), taken as advised
- Biological treatments such as anti-TNF medicines when the first treatments are not enough
- Stopping smoking, which worsens the disease
- Prompt treatment of eye inflammation by an eye specialist
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
How is it different from ordinary back pain?
Ordinary back pain usually follows a strain, is worse with activity and better with rest, and settles in weeks. Ankylosing spondylitis starts young, lasts months, is worst in the morning and at night, and eases with movement.
Is HLA-B27 a test for ankylosing spondylitis?
It is a gene test that supports the diagnosis, not a test that makes it. Many people carry HLA-B27 and never develop the condition. NICE advises it when three of the listed features are present, and a rheumatologist arranges it with an X-ray or MRI.
Will my spine fuse?
In some people, over many years, parts of the spine can stiffen. Daily exercise and treatment that controls the inflammation keep most people moving well.
Need Help?
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Rheumatology in Lagos →Rheumatology in Abuja →Rheumatology in Port Harcourt →Rheumatology in Jos →Rheumatology in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Ankylosing spondylitis. NHS. Patient information.
- Spondyloarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG65). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Uveitis. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.