Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes arthritis of the spine and hips. It can also affect other joints such as the knees, and can cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs, or heart valves.
The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. However, most people with ankylosing spondylitis share a common gene marker called HLA-B27. This finding indicates that genes play an important role in the development of this condition.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Sex: male
- Age: adolescent and young adult (ages 15-35)
- Family members with ankylosing spondylitis
- Having the HLA-B27 gene marker
-
Inflammatory bowel disease
The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to very severe.
Common symptoms may include:
-
Stiffening and pain (arthritis) of the:
- Lower back
- Sacroiliac joint, where the back and hip meet, possibly radiating down the legs
- Pain that is often worse at night
- Stiffness that is worse in the morning
- Symptom improvement with exercise or activity
-
Occasionally, pain and stiffness in other joints:
- Knee
- Upper back
- Rib cage
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Feet
- Chest pain, which may suggest heart, heart valve (aortic insufficiency), or lung involvement
- Eye pain, visual changes, increased tearing which may suggest eye involvement (uveitis)
Less common symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Fever
- Numbness (if arthritic spurs compress the spinal nerves)
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, such as:
- Dramatic loss of flexibility of the lower back and spine (limitation of motion of the low back)
- Pain in the lower back
- Limited chest expansion when taking deep breaths
Tests may include:
-
X-rays
of the lower back and hips to check for characteristic changes
-
Occasionally,
MRI scan
or
CT scan
of the involved joints
-
Blood tests to check for:
- HLA-B27 gene marker
-
Anemia
- Elevated sedimentation rate
- Presence of other autoimmune markers
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment is aimed at providing education and relieving the symptoms.
Treatments may include:
Drug treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and inflammation.
In recent years, a number of newer anti-inflammaory medications have been discovered.
Techniques to prevent progression and worsening of symptoms may include:
- Learning proper posture and the best positions for sleeping
-
Daily exercise, such as:
- Abdominal and back exercises (to decrease back stiffness and maintain good posture)
- Stretching exercises
- Swimming exercises
- Breathing exercises (in cases where the rib cage is affected)
In severe cases,
hip or joint replacement
surgery may be needed to relieve pain and restore mobility. In some instances spinal surgery is needed to allow the person an upright posture.
There are no guidelines for preventing ankylosing spondylitis because the cause is unknown.
Last reviewed March 2008 by
Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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