Introduction to Ankylosing spondylitis
Causes of Ankylosing spondylitis
Risk Factors for Ankylosing spondylitis
Signs and Symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis
Diagnosis of Ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment for Ankylosing spondylitis
Alternative Therapies for Ankylosing spondylitis
Complications for Ankylosing spondylitis
Prevention for Ankylosing spondylitis
Living with Ankylosing Spodylitis

 

Ankylosing spondylitis is a disorder that causes inflammation of the joints between the bones of the spine and the joint between the spine and the pelvic bone. This long-term (chronic) disorder of the joint, eventually results in fusion of the opposing bones in the affected joint, if left untreated. Ankylosing spondylitis affects about 0.1–2% of the population worldwide and is about three times more common in men than women. The condition is commonly noted to affect individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 years. Dull back pain that may radiate to the buttock region is the initial symptom noticed in a typical case of ankylosing spondylitis.¹ 

Causes of Ankylosing spondylitis
The presence of a specific tissue component known as HLA-B27 has been increasingly noted in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. This fact has led to the theory that the condition is hereditary. However, merely the 
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Risk Factors for Ankylosing spondylitis
The risk factors that have been proposed to be associated with an increased incidence of ankylosing spondylitis include family history of the condition, male gender and frequent infections of the gastrointestinal tract.^1,2

Signs and Symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is initially characterized by the disturbing onset of pain in the back region during late adolescence. The pain may also be noted in the buttock region. It may be associated with stiffness of the back 
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Diagnosis of Ankylosing spondylitis
The diagnosis is mainly based on the family history of ankylosing spondylitis in the affected individual, the signs and symptoms noted and radiological findings. The typical history of early age of onset of the symptoms, morning stiffness that improves with activity and back pain for more than 3 months is generally suggestive of the condition. Although the laboratory tests reveal the presence of the HLA-B27 antigen, it is not considered to be conclusive. Radiographs may display the bony changes based on the stage and severity of the condition.^{1, 2}

Treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis
The initial treatment of ankylosing spondylitis involves administration of simple painkillers that are available as over-the-counter medications. These medications, which belong to the group of drugs such as ibuprofen,  
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Alternative Therapies for Ankylosing spondylitis
The alternative therapies are considered as an important adjunct to the medications being administered. Educating the individual about the condition, minor physical exercises, home exercises such as stretching of the spine and corrections of the posture are some of the additional therapies advised.¹ These must be followed under proper guidance from the doctor.

Complications of Ankylosing spondylitis
Fracture of the spine is the most serious complication associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Chronic cases may be associated with disorders of the heart and lungs. ²

Prevention for Ankylosing spondylitis
There are no known methods to prevent ankylosing spondylitis although the occurrence of complications can be prevented with early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Living with Ankylosing Spodylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition with symptom free period for long durations and occasional recurrence of pain in the joints. The ability to perform day–to- day activities is generally not hampered in most of the cases.

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated : February 09, 2010