Can a person develop ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 60?

People aged 60 can also develop ankylosing spondylitis, albeit with a lower probability compared to young adults. A detailed analysis is as follows: Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that typically affects young adults, but it can also occur in the elderly. When it does occur in the elderly, the onset is often more insidious, and the symptoms are less typical. In the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis, symptoms may include dull pain and morning stiffness in the lumbosacral region, difficulty turning over in bed due to pain in the middle of the night, and alleviation of symptoms after activity. If an elderly person experiences these symptoms and they persist for more than 3 months, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for a physical examination, including scoliosis and chest expansion tests; laboratory tests, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and HLA-B27; and imaging studies, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, to determine whether ankylosing spondylitis is present.

Treatment and Management

Upon confirmation of ankylosing spondylitis, it is advised to engage in reasonable exercise as permitted by physical condition, sleep on a firm mattress whenever possible, and, if necessary, take medications such as Celecoxib Capsules, Meloxicam Tablets, or Loxoprofen Sodium Tablets under medical supervision.