What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes persistent inflammation in the spine.
- The sacroiliac joints, found between the lower spine and the pelvis, become inflamed in ankylosing spondylitis.
- One of the initial signs of ankylosing spondylitis is sacroiliitis or inflammation in the joints.
- Inflammation commonly affects the joints between the vertebrae and the bones that form the spinal column, a condition known as spondylitis.
- Some individuals with ankylosing spondylitis experience severe, ongoing back pain, hip pain, and stiffness.
- Others may have sporadic, less severe symptoms. 7. Over time, new bone growth can cause the spine to become rigid and fuse vertebral segments, a condition called ankylosis.
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What are the Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms often arise gradually over months or years and fluctuate with time. One of the early signs of ankylosing spondylitis that might keep you awake is lower back stiffness and pain, especially in the morning and at night. It is also possible to experience pain in the large joints, including the hips and shoulders.
Other symptoms may include:
When to see a doctor?
If you experience lower back pain that has been slowly getting worse over time, experience pain in the morning or when you are sleeping at night, it’s time to be alert. Especially if the pain gets better with activity but gets worse while you are at rest, should be discussed with your doctor.
Doctors at Medicover can help you get the right treatment and management for Ankylosing Spondylitis.
What Causes Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific cause. The inflammation can lead to new bone formation, which can lead to fusion and lasting injury. However, doctors are still unclear about why AS patients have this persistent inflammatory reaction. However, the disease frequently runs in families. Both hereditary and environmental factors may contribute to AS.
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What Puts You at Risk for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men than women. The HLA-B27 gene is primarily present in those with ankylosing spondylitis. However, many individuals with this gene never get ankylosing spondylitis.
What are the Complications of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Suffering from Ankylosing spondylitis can lead to other health issues and complications including:
- Bone deformities : In more severe cases, the body tries to fix damaged bone structures by forming new bone. Eventually, the new bone occupies the space between the vertebrae and fuses them.
- Compression fractures : Some people with ankylosing spondylitis have thin bones. Due to the vertebrae's weak state and the possibility of rupture, this posture might become stooped or slumped.
- Eye inflammation (uveitis) : Eye inflammation is a typical side effect of ankylosing spondylosis and is characterised by sudden onset of eye discomfort, sensitivity to light, and impaired vision.
- Heart problems : Aortitis, a disorder caused by swelling of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, is a complication of ankylosing spondylitis. Aortic valve disease may arise from this.
- Amyloidosis : People with ankylosing spondylitis have a very low chance of developing the extremely rare disorder known as amyloidosis, in which the protein amyloid builds up in organs such as the heart, lung, or liver.
What tests are done to Diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Although back pain is its primary symptom, AS can be difficult to identify. Since the condition affects men significantly more frequently than women, a diagnosis may be even more difficult for women. A single test to confirm AS does not exist either. The symptoms, a physical examination, and blood tests may all be used by a doctor. An MRI or an X-ray may also be performed. However, this isn't always helpful because imaging examinations may not immediately detect joint injury.
What is the Best Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The symptoms, age, and overall health will all affect how you are treated. The severity of the ailment will also be a factor. Treatment aims to lessen discomfort and stiffness, avoid abnormalities and preserve a normal lifestyle as much as possible. Treatment options include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat inflammation and discomfort
- Tumor-necrosis-factor blockers (biologic drugs) to lessen oedema and inflammation
- DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic medications) to reduce inflammation and manage AS include sulfasalazine.
- Using corticosteroids for a brief period to lessen inflammation.
- Using muscle relaxants and painkillers for a brief period to alleviate extreme pain and muscle spasms.
- Surgery to remove a section of the thickened and hardened bone, repair a joint, or insert rods in the spine.
- Maintaining proper posture
- Regular exercising, especially back muscle strengthening routines.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Medication
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat inflammation and discomfort
- Tumor-necrosis-factor blockers (biologic drugs) to lessen oedema and inflammation
- DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic medications) to reduce inflammation and manage AS include sulfasalazine.
- Using corticosteroids for a brief period to lessen inflammation.
- Using muscle relaxants and painkillers for a brief period to alleviate extreme pain and muscle spasms.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Self-care
Some things you do daily can help you feel better.
- Schedule some time every day, even a few minutes for an activity like swimming which improves the symptoms
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the stress on your joints. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be of assistance. If you believe particular meals may cause changes in how you feel, look for trends.
- Avoid smoking because people who smoke frequently experience symptoms that worsen with age.
- Do massage, yoga, meditation, and counselling to reduce stress.
- While using cold on inflamed areas, apply heat to stiff joints and tight muscles.
Dos and Don’ts in Ankylosing Spondylitis:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is accompanied by pain and inflammation in the spine and pelvis. Additionally, this condition can lead to the growth and fusion of spinal segments, which causes stiffness and immobility. Although there is no permanent cure for AS, you can control your symptoms with medicines. So following the below do's, and don'ts can help you manage it.
To fight this condition, take care of yourself and keep yourself strong internally while seeking adequate medical care.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted group of doctors and healthcare professionals who are skilled in providing the best medical treatment to our patients with compassion and care. To conduct the necessary investigations for diagnosing Ankylosing Spondylitis, our diagnostic department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Our excellent team of rheumatologists, orthopedists and physiotherapists use a systematic approach to identifying and treating the condition. They provide required medical or surgical treatment as well as physical therapy to treat this condition with great precision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, there's no permanent cure. However, treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.
High-impact exercises like running or jumping, and those involving extreme bending or twisting of the spine, should be avoided.
Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, cycling, and gentle stretching exercises like yoga or tai chi are beneficial.
Yes, it's classified as an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its tissues, leading to inflammation, particularly in the spine and pelvis joints.
Although it can affect quality of life, ankylosing spondylitis typically doesn't impact life expectancy. With proper care, individuals can expect a normal lifespan.
