The first step will be a thorough physical exam with special emphasis on joint function and range of motion of joints as well as the spine. Your doctor will ask you for details about your pain and your history of symptoms.
A doctor may use an X-ray to check for signs of damage to joints of your spine and any other painful joints. Erosion or damage to joints may not be detected if the disease is in its early stages. They may also recommend an MRI scan.
They may also carry out blood tests to assess signs of inflammation, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. An HLA-B27 test will be ordered to assess the presence of this protein. The presence of this protein does not mean that you he ankylosing spondylitis, only that you he the gene that produces this protein and that you may be at risk for developing the condition.
Diagnosing this type of arthritis can take time.