It is a bulge in the wall of one of the discs between the vertebrae, often pressing onto the nerve roots. It is characteristically caused by lifting with a bent spine , though the final trigger may appear to be unrelated to this. The main symptom is 'sciatica' - referred pain, numbness or paralysis in the legs or buttocks. Often other damage occurs at the same time, so that muscle spasm and pain from damaged muscle and ligament are also experienced. Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of arthritis, and can affect several areas of the body including the eyes and skin.
Adjacent vertebrae can become fused together by bony growth bridging across the discs.
Currently there is no actual cure, but its effects can be mitigated by treatment and management. Sitting still for long periods is particularly bad for the affected joints, especially sitting in a slumped posture. However in most cases careful management can allow a normal life to be continued. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a bone disease, in which density and strength is lost. Bones, including particularly the vertebrae, hip and arm, can become so weak that even slight impacts can break them.