Hey Tom, In my experience, I had both. The first time I experienced back pain that I can pinpoint to be directly related to AS was about 7 years ago and I couldn't walk or stand very well at all for a day or two. These "flares" occured for the next 6 years, gradually becoming longer and shortening in relief intervals until about 2 years ago when I would get a flare a few times a year. They would last a week or so and most often travel from one side to the other side. The entire last year, (before I was put on prednisone (yes entirely necessary due to severe inflammation in my bowels and ribs and S.I. joints and spine) because my gastroenterologist(?) thought I may perforate my bowels.)) was constant pain. I forgot what it was like to sit and stand without thinking hard about how I was going to do it. Sleep was always broken due to pain. So as everyone says here, there is no straight common path. (BTW I posted a recipe on a dip I made in the diet forum check it out!) I hope this helps...

Adam

Hey, somebody stole my quote! - Me