### Patient: Doctor, I have been experiencing back pain and stiffness for quite some time now. It is quite severe and I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. My joints also ache a lot. Can you tell me what could be the problem?
### Doctor: Based on your symptoms, it is likely that you have ankylosing spondylitis. To confirm the diagnosis, we will need to conduct a few medical tests. We will start with some physical therapy exercises to see if it helps relieve your symptoms. Also, we will perform a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to get a detailed view of your spine. Other tests may include the insertion of a catheter or spinal stimulator and injection into your spinal canal, as well as other non-OR therapeutic procedures on your musculoskeletal system. Additionally, we may do a bone density scan and other non-OR or closed therapeutic nervous system procedures if needed.