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Diagnosed Spondylosis but have positive HLA-B27???

I have a lot of pain in my hips and back which fluctuate from side to side. I also get Uveitis from time to time. I do have sclerosis of the iliac bone on the left side of my sacroiliac joints. When I walk I look like a person with serious back issues as it has become tougher to walk distances without pain and remain standing properly.

I do have well-managed relapsing remitting MS and am able to walk with the aid of a cane. I walk up and down a couple flights of stairs daily to strengthen my legs. Have had MS for 23 years.

When I asked my regular physician why do I have positive HLA-B27 if I am not diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis he tells me "because you do have it; It hasn't fully shown up yet."

This leaves me confused as ankylosing spondylitis and spondylosis are two very different conditions. Which one do I really have and how do I begin to help myself to feel less pain and begin to feel better about myself?

I welcome your hopefully helpful comments.

Thanks for reading,
- Angie -


  1. Hi Angie, that is certainly frustrating and a bit confusing. As you may be aware, HLA-B27 is a genetic marker that has been identified as playing a role in the cause of AS. However, not everyone with the HLA-B27 mutation develops AS, and it is believed that many people in the general population have the HLA-B27 marker but will not develop the condition. In addition, some people with AS do not have the HLA-B27 marker at all. I thought I'd share these two articles that may provide some additional insight: https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/diagnosis/lab-tests and https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/diagnosis/understanding-results Perhaps others will chime in with their experiences as well.
    All my best, Doreen (Team Member)

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