Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis in which there is long-term inflammation of the joints of the spine. Typically the joints where the spine joins the pelvis are also affected. Occasionally other joints such as the shoulders or hips are involved. Eye and bowel problems may also occur.
It is also known as Bekhterev's disease
It is also known as Bekhterev's disease
SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary. It’s often characterized by mild to moderate flare-ups of inflammation that alternate with periods of almost no symptoms.
The most common symptom is back pain in the morning and at night. You may also experience pain in the large joints, such as the hips and shoulders. Other symptoms may include:
- early morning stiffness
- poor posture or stooped shoulders
- loss of appetite
- low-grade fever
- weight loss
- fatigue
- anemia or low iron
- reduced lung function
Because ankylosing spondylitis involves inflammation, other parts of your body can be affected as well. People with ankylosing spondylitis may also experience:
- inflammation of the bowels
- mild eye inflammation
- heart valve inflammation
- Achilles tendonitis
CAUSE:
Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific cause, though genetic factors seem to be involved. In particular, people who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greatly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. However, only some people with the gene develop the condition.
RISK FACTORS:
- Sex. Men are more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis than are women.
- Age. Onset generally occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood.
- Heredity. Most people who have ankylosing spondylitis have the HLA-B27 gene. But many people who have this gene never develop ankylosing spondylitis.
COMPLICATIONS:
In severe ankylosing spondylitis, new bone forms as part of the body's attempt to heal. This new bone gradually bridges the gap between vertebrae and eventually fuses sections of vertebrae. Those parts of your spine become stiff and inflexible. Fusion can also stiffen your rib cage, restricting your lung capacity and function.
Other complications might include:
- Eye inflammation (uveitis). One of the most common complications of ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis can cause rapid-onset eye pain, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. See your doctor right away if you develop these symptoms.
- Compression fractures. Some people's bones thin during the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis. Weakened vertebrae can crumble, increasing the severity of your stooped posture. Vertebral fractures can put pressure on and possibly injure the spinal cord and the nerves that pass through the spine.
- Heart problems. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause problems with your aorta, the largest artery in your body. The inflamed aorta can enlarge to the point that it distorts the shape of the aortic valve in the heart, which impairs its function.
DIAGNOSIS:
X-RAY
MRI
HLA-B27
E.S.R
TREATMENT:
Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are often used to help manage pain and inflammation. They’re long-acting drugs and are generally safe with few complications.
Surgery
If you have severe damage or deformity to your knee or hip joints, joint replacement surgery may be necessary. Likewise, an osteotomy may be performed on people with poor posture caused by fused bones. During this procedure, a surgeon will cut and realign the bones in the spine.
ALTERNATIVE :
In addition to more traditional medical treatments, some natural remedies may help ease symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. These treatments may be used alone. They may also be combined with other treatments. Talk with your doctor about which ones are safe to use together and best for you.
Exercise
Range-of-motion exercises, as well as strength training exercises, may help ease the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Both of these exercises can strengthen joints and help them be more flexible. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist so you can learn how to do these exercises correctly and safely.
Stretching
Stretching can make your joints more flexible and improve strength. This can lead to less pain and better range of motion in your joints.
Posture training
Stiffness in the spine may encourage bad posture. Over time, bones in the spine can fuse together in slouching or slumping positions. You can reduce the risk for this by practicing good posture.
Because this may not come naturally after years of poor posture positions, you may need to encourage better posture with reminders to correct your posture regularly. You can also use support devices, such as chairs or seat cushions.
Heat and cold therapy
Heating pads or a warm shower can help ease pain and stiffness in the spine and other affected joints. Ice packs can reduce inflammation in painful or swollen joints.
Acupuncture
This alternative treatment may reduce pain and other symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. It does so by activating natural pain-relieving hormones.
Massage therapy
In addition to being relaxing and invigorating, massage can help you maintain flexibility and improve range of motion. Be sure to tell your massage therapist that you have ankylosing spondylitis. They can be aware of tender points around your spine.
Many treatments for ankylosing spondylitis are also smart practices for a healthier life. Read more about the 10 natural remedies for ankylosing spondylitis.
Don't smoke
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is generally bad for your health, but it creates additional problems for people with ankylosing spondylitis, including further hampering breathing.
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