Ankylosing
Spondylitis: Arthritis of the Spine
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form
of arthritis that affects the spine. The initial symptoms of ankylosing
spondylitis are lower back and buttocks pain over an extended period
of time. Often the pain is worse in the morning and manifests as
lower back stiffness. Because the spine acts as the circuit box
for the entire nervous system, there may be pain in multiple areas
that can be attributed to Ankylosing Spondylitis, including the
neck, hips, chest, and feet. Other symptoms that can result from
this condition are inflammation of the colored portion of the eye,
or the iris. This is also known as acute anterior uveitis. There
may also be inflammation of the bowels, commonly known as inflammatory
bowel disease.
Ankylosing Spondylitis shares characteristics with other forms of
arthritis, including:
As ankylosing spondylitis develops and worsens
the result is a fusing of the spine, known as ankylose. The initial
symptoms of this are limited mobility of the neck and back, but
as it continues to worsen the normal curve of the spine is lost
and the middle portion of the back curves outward; this is known
as kyphosis. When this fusing reaches its most debilitating state,
the person suffering from ankylosing spondylitis will be in a constant
fixed-bent forward position.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis:
If your physician suspects
that you have ankylosing spondylitis, he or she may order blood
tests, x-rays, and a comprehensive physical examination. If the
x-rays show any spine abnormalities that point to the presence of
ankylosing spondylitis, your doctor can rule out other forms of
inflammatory arthritis. The blood tests the presence of a genetic
marker common to many people who suffer from ankylosing spondylitis
called HLA-B27. While this genetic marker is not a sure indicator
of ankylosing spondylitis, it is common enough among those suffering
from this condition that it is considered a possible indicator of
susceptibility.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment:
As with most medical conditions, early diagnosis drastically improves
the possibility for effective treatment. Because there is a genetic
factor involved, you might want to ask your relatives if they have
either been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis or if they suffer
from any of the common symptoms. Physical therapy, exercise regimens,
and diet are often used to help prevent pain, as well as doctor-prescribed
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).There are also a
number of alternative treatments that have been found effective
in preventing different forms of arthritis and joint pain. Be sure
to contact your physician for testing and treatment options if you
suspect you have ankylosing spondylitis.
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