Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that starts in the lowest most part of the spine, extending to the pelvic region and in some cases, ascending up the spine to the neck or descending down to the feet. This form of arthritis most often strikes men between the ages of 20-30. The chronic inflammation of ankylosing spondylitis attacks the joints between the vertebra in the spine causing chronic pain and stiffness. The inflammation can also spread to other organs in the body.
Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
The pain of the joint inflammation starts at the base of the spine, often initially mistaken for strained back muscle or simple overuse, with rest being the initial treatment plan. However, rest and inactivity make the pain and stiffness of ankylosing spondylitis worsen.
The pain and stiffness will extend from the lower back to the hips. The pain and stiffness being at their worst in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and will loosen somewhat after moving around.
People afflicted with ankylosing spondylitis walk stiffly and with a slight forward bend at the waist. Taking a deep breath is out of the question due to the chest’s portion of the spine restricting the movement needed to inhale deeply.
The inflammation of ankylosing spondylitis can confine itself to the low back and pelvic region, but the chronic inflammation can ascend or descend to include other parts of the body. The neck and shoulder joints may also become inflamed, or the inflammation spread down into the joints of the knees and feet. The inflammation is not limited to joints only, but can spread to the eyes, heart and intestines in the advanced stage of the disease.
Other symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include difficulty in walking, chronic stooping, stiff spine, fatigue, weight loss and bowel inflammation.
Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis and is treated with arthritis medications. Depending on the severity of the pain and stiffness, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed first for treatment. Arthritis medications Remicade, Embrel and Humira are used for ankylosing spondylitis treatment and in cases of severe pain, morphine is sometimes prescribed.
In addition to drug treatment, physical therapy is essential to keep the spine limber and help manage the pain caused by the inflamed joints. No known cause or cure exists for ankylosing spondylitis.
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