How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose the disease simply by the patient's report of pain and stiffness. Doctors also review spinal and pelvic x rays since involvement of the hip and pelvic joints is common.

There are several tests your doctor may run.

· HLA-B27 antigen test is positive.

· A spine X-ray or pelvis X-ray shows characteristic findings.

· ESR may or may not be elevated.

· Complete Blood Count may show mild anemia.