Ankylosing spondylitis is the most painful and arthritis symptom. It is often found in men under 40, although women and Children can have it. Ankylosing means joining together and inflammation or swelling of the joints of the spine. The joints of the lower back can fuse, affecting the stoop. Swelling of the ligaments that attach to the bone causes the bones to wear out and then try to heal. New bone replaces the elastic tissue called ligaments, and stiffness is most often affected in the lower back, chest and neck. Other affected joints include the hips, shoulders, knees, and ankles. It affects other organs such as the eyes, heart and lungs.