M45.01: Ankylosing spondylitis Occipito-atlanto-axial region

You have Bechterew’s disease.

The spine is made up of the individual vertebrae. Between every 2 vertebrae there is a vertebral disc. At the top and bottom of each there are 2 transverse processes. Along with the processes of adjacent vertebrae, these transverse processes form the small vertebral joints. The vertebral joints connect adjacent vertebrae to one another. Bechterew’s disease can cause the small vertebral joints to become inflamed. The joints that connect your pelvis to your sacrum can also become inflamed.

Joints at the junction between your head and your cervical spine are affected. The spine consists of several sections. The cervical spine begins below the head. The cervical spine is very mobile. Below that is the thoracic spine. The ribs are attached to the thoracic spine. Below the thoracic spine is the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine is also very mobile and it bears a large part of the body’s weight. After the lumbar spine, the sacrum and coccyx join.

The precise reason for this disorder is unknown. However, there can be certain hereditary factors. The joint inflammation can cause back pain. The inflamed joints can stiffen up after a while. The spine then becomes less mobile. The condition can also cause inflammation in other joints, tendons or internal organs.