Ace the 2025 Orthopaedic Nurses Certification: Master Metabolic, Inflammatory & Tumor Challenges!

In patients with ankylosing spondylitis, morning stiffness is a prominent and characteristic symptom. This condition is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Many individuals with ankylosing spondylitis report that their stiffness is most intense in the morning or after periods of inactivity, which can improve with movement and activity.

This morning stiffness is significant as it reflects the underlying inflammatory process associated with the disease, indicating a cycle of inflammation that affects not just the physical structures of the spine but also the patient's mobility and quality of life. Understanding this symptom is key to recognizing ankylosing spondylitis and managing its effects on daily activities.