Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is a type of arthritis. It affects the spine (backbone), the pelvis, and large joints of the leg (like the hips). Starting treatment as early as possible can help relieve pain and make other problems less likely. Although there is no cure for juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, most people who have it can live active, healthy lives.

• Give your child medicine as prescribed by your health care provider.
• If your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand), or naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• Moving around can help reduce pain and stiffness. Encourage your child to be active. Try activities that are easy on the joints, such as tai chi, walking, or swimming.
• Keep up with the stretches or exercises (including breathing exercises) recommended by your health care provider.
• Have your child sleep on their back on a firm mattress with a thin pillow or no pillow under the head.
• Follow directions for helping your child keep a good posture. This can also help your child avoid a hunched posture when they are older.
• Your child should not smoke and should avoid secondhand smoke.
• Go to all follow-up appointments as directed. Your child might need to see specialists such as physical therapists, rheumatologists (joint doctors), orthopedists (bone doctors), ophthalmologists (eye doctors), or geneticists (doctors who specialize in conditions that are inherited).
• Ask your health care provider if it's OK for your child to play contact sports.

Your child:

• Is more tired than usual
• Has swelling or pain in any joints, such as the knee or ankle
• Develops new or worsening symptoms

Your child:

• Has trouble breathing
• Has severe pain in joints, neck, or chest
• Develops sudden or severe eye pain, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light
• Develops weakness, difficulty urinating (peeing), numbness, or tingling

What do the words "juvenile ankylosing spondylitis" mean? The words refer to inflammation (redness, heat, pain, or swelling) of the joints in the spine, resulting in a stiff or painful back:

• "Juvenile" means the condition affects kids younger than 16 years old.
• "Ankylosing" means stiff or rigid.
• "Spondyl" means spine.
• "Itis" means inflammation.

What happens in juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? When a child has juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, the joints in the spine, pelvis, or legs become inflamed (irritated). Over time, this inflammation can damage the bones in the joints. The damaged bones can cause pain in the lower back or large joints of the leg. Also, the bones that make up the spine (vertebrae) may eventually fuse together, causing stiffness in the back.

Some kids with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis have other problems, including:

• Pain or swelling in other places (such as the feet)
• Trouble taking deep breaths
• A hunched posture that develops over time
• Weight loss or feeling very tired
• Problems with their eyes, heart, or lungs

Symptoms might come and go. Some kids might have only mild symptoms, while others might be more severely affected. It is different for every child.

Who gets juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? It is seen more often in boys and tends to run in families. Symptoms usually begin in the late teens or young adulthood.

How is juvenile ankylosing spondylitis treated? The goal of treatment is to help your child have as normal and active a lifestyle as possible. The main treatments for juvenile ankylosing spondylitis are medicines, exercises, and physical therapy to help decrease pain and increase flexibility. If someone has severe pain or joint damage, surgery is sometimes recommended.