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.
Most vertebrae are separated by flexible disks of cartilage that act like shock absorbers and allow your spine to move. With age, your disks can lose their height and ability to cushion. This process is called disk degeneration. This video explains more about this condition and the treatments available.
The tendons of four muscles in the upper arm form the rotator cuff, blending together to help stabilize the shoulder. The rotator cuff tendons allow you to raise and rotate your arm. This video discusses what happens when these tendons are damaged.
