What Is a “Bamboo Spine” and What Causes It?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis that primarily affects your spine and the sacroiliac joints, where your spine meets your pelvis. Like other types of arthritis, AS causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness — but it can also cause new bone growth that further limits spinal flexibility, and that’s where it gets the nickname “bamboo spine.”

If you’re dealing with persistent back pain and stiffness, don’t ignore it. It could be an early sign of AS, especially if your symptoms are worse in the morning and tend to improve with movement. Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis, and here’s what you should know about AS and bamboo spine.

Why ankylosing spondylitis is called “bamboo spine”

AS causes inflammation in your spine. Over time, this chronic inflammation can cause your body to create new bone bridges between vertebrae. These bony connections, called syndesmophytes, can eventually fuse sections of your spine.

On an X-ray, the fusion makes your spine resemble the stalk of a bamboo plant: a rigid column with little visible separation between vertebrae. This “bamboo spine” appearance is characteristic of advanced ankylosing spondylitis. Though not everyone with AS will develop it, those who do can experience a significant loss of flexibility.

When your spine fuses, you lose flexibility, making everyday movement more difficult. Patients with bamboo spine also face a higher risk of spinal fractures, posture changes, and, in some cases, reduced chest expansion that makes breathing harder. These complications make early diagnosis and treatment critical.

The causes of bamboo spine

Bamboo spine develops as a result of long-term inflammation from AS. Your risk of developing AS depends on a few different factors, including:

• Genetics: Most people with AS carry the HLA-B27 gene, though not everyone with this marker develops the condition.
• Chronic inflammation: Ongoing cycles of joint inflammation and bone repair lead to abnormal bone formation.
• Mechanical stress: Repeated strain on the spine can accelerate changes.

Your risk of bamboo spine increases the longer AS goes undiagnosed and untreated. A delayed diagnosis means treatment becomes less effective, and your risk of fusion goes up.

Understanding your AS treatment options

Bamboo spine develops over time, and the best chance to slow or prevent progression is through early detection and proactive treatment. 

Schedule an appointment with us if you develop pain and stiffness in your lower back or hips. You should know that some people also experience symptoms in the hips, shoulders, or even in areas outside the joints, like the eyes or heart.

We offer comprehensive arthritis evaluations to pinpoint the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. Bamboo spine can’t be reversed, but treatments can slow progression, reduce pain, and preserve mobility. Treatment options can include:

Medication

Anti-inflammatory drugs or advanced biologic therapies can help reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to your spine.

Physical therapy and exercise

Customized mobility and strengthening programs help maintain flexibility, posture, and quality of life.

Lifestyle support

Guidance on ergonomics, posture, weight management, and smoking cessation helps reduce stress on your spine.

Surgery

Many people find that nonsurgical treatments effectively manage their AS symptoms, particularly if the disease is caught early. However, in severe cases, corrective surgery or joint replacement may be considered.

Experiencing persistent back stiffness, pain that improves with movement, or changes in posture? Don’t wait to see if your symptoms go away on their own. Our team at Manhattan Orthopedic is here to help protect your joints and your mobility. Call our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, or book an appointment online to get started.