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What Exactly Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

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One of the greatest challenges one might joke about ankylosing spondylitis is how to pronounce the name of this disease! However, ankylosing spondylitis is no laughing matter.

It is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and inflammation of the joints that are between the vertebrae of the spine and the joints between the spine and the pelvis. It can also affect other areas of the body, as well.

Medical circles also refer to this condition as spondylitis or rheumatoid spondylitis. A chronic condition, treatments can offer one some relieve from pain and a reduction in symptoms. When the treatment is proven effective, it can also help to prevent any complications and physical deformities that can be associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

Some of the early signs of this disease are chronic pain in the lower back and hips which is predominant in the morning and after extended periods of inactivity. The back or hips may also become stiff. Over time, the symptoms can become worse, improve, or simply stop. The pain can also progress up the spine and to other joints. Extended inflammation may present, too.

Other areas that can be affected as this disease progresses include the tendons and ligaments attached to the bones, the joints between the ribs and the spine, the joints in the hips, shoulders, knees, and feet, and even in the eyes.

As the disease progresses, other symptoms will arise, such as chronic stooping, a stiff spine, fatigue, restricted expansion of the chest, decrease in appetite, weight loss, inflammation of the eyes and of the bowels. It is imperative that one sees a doctor if (1) any of these symptoms are present or (2) one has already been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis but the symptoms have increased. With respect to the eyes, one may experience eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.

While there is no known specific cause for this disease, genetics do seem to play a significant role. In fact, people who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greater risk for developing ankylosing spondylitis. As the disease worsens, new bone will form as a response by the body in an attempt to heal itself. The vertebrae will begin to grow together, forming bony outgrowths. Subsequent fusion can stiffen one’s rib cage, which can reduce lung capacity. More males than females tend to get this disease. It can occur between late adolescence and age 40.

When one is afflicted by ankylosing spondylitis, she may experience trouble with walking or standing. Joints may fuse together making it difficult to stand in an upright position. When ones bones in the rib cage fuse, breathing can become labored. Without the available expansion capacity of the rib cage, one cannot fully inflate her lungs. Eye and heart problems may also begin to manifest.

In order to determine a course of treatment for this disease, a doctor will most like order x-rays or other imaging tests. Blood tests may also be done. A complete blood count may be performed to determine if one has anemia, which is a complication that can arise from ankylosing spondylitis.

Certain anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed to the patient, such as naproxen and indomethacin. The doctor may also prescribe sulfasalazine or methotrexate to treat the inflamed joints of the arms and legs and other tissues. This type of drug keeps the joint damage at a minimum. Some steroids may be prescribed to suppress any inflammation.

Physical therapy can also allow for certain benefits. It can help in the reduction of pain and enable the patient to recognize increased strength and mobility. Surgical intervention is rarely necessary, unless the doctor determines the pain or joint damage is severe enough to warrant it.

As with any condition, if one notices unusual pain or symptoms, or if any current pain or symptoms increase, the best course of action is to consult a physician immediately.

(Information for this article was obtained at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ankylosingspondylitis/DS00483)

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Anonymous

At Yoga For Beginners, we are having a short session on Tiger pose Yoga or Vyagrahasana that is quite beneficial in spinal problems.
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June 14, 2010 - 11:27pm

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Pat Elliott
Empowered
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Indeed, Ann, managing ankylosing spondylitis can be complex, and the information you've provided is very helpful. For those who would like to learn more from the patient perspective, here are some links to videos from our media library in which Denise L shares her story:

https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/video-herstory-denise-shares-advice-women-suffering-ankylosing-spondylitis

https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/video-herstory-denise-shares-how-ankylosing-spondylitis-affected-her-mobility

https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/video-herstory-denise-shares-how-yoga-has-positively-affected-her-life

https://www.empowher.com/community/herstory/video-herstory-denise-shares-why-she-was-reluctant-explore-alternative-treatments

December 16, 2009 - 6:22pm

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Ann Butenas
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.