Ankylosing spondylitis, or “AS,” is a form of arthritis that causes pain and stiffness of the spine. The word "ankylosing" means rigid. In AS, the bones of the spine become very rigid and can fuse together. The symptoms usually begin in the lower back and may also affect the hips and the rest of the spine. Other joints are affected less frequently.
Cervical arthritis means arthritis of the neck bones. Your neck has 7 vertebrae, and cushiony disks sit between the vertebrae. Over time or with injury, the disks can have problems and may bulge outward or get thinner.
Osteoarthritis of the AC joint in the shoulder is common in middle-aged or older adults. This video explains how this condition develops and how you can minimize its effects.
The most common form of arthritis affecting the ankle is osteoarthritis. It can be caused by injury or by long-term wear and tear. Take a look at this condition and how it is treated, including surgery to replace the ankle joint.
Your wrist is a complex joint made up of many bones, allowing you to move your hand up and down, and side to side, as well as to rotate. A fracture can occur in any of these bones when enough force is applied—when you fall on an outstretched hand, for example. In this video, you'll find out other causes, as well as how a wrist fracture is treated.
