Arthritis is a painful condition that affects specific parts of the body, resulting in chronic pain. General arthritis is not uncommon to develop, especially as a person ages. But there are other kinds of lesser known arthritis as well.
Ankylosing Spondylitis, also known as AS, is a rarer type of arthritis that primary affects the spine. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 2.7 million adults in the United States suffer from this condition. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or living with ankylosing spondylitis or perhaps know someone who is, here is an overview of everything you need to know about the condition.
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine resulting in severe, chronic pain. Like general arthritis, AS causes joint damage and tends to worsen over time. Ultimately, the condition can cause some of the vertebrae to fuse, limiting a person’s movement and flexibility.
Who Is At Risk?
This type of arthritis can affect anyone and it’s unclear what causes or triggers it. The current most likely strain of thought is that AS is tied to HLA-B27, a gene connected to the immune system that causes it to attack bacteria. However, many people who have this gene never experience the signs or symptoms of AS.
Men also tend to develop ankylosing spondylitis more frequently than women, often with worse or more symptoms than their female counterparts.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis normally manifest between the ages of 17 to 45, though they vary greatly from person to person. The first symptom tends to be stiffness and pain in the lower back and glutes, which comes on slowly over the course of a few weeks or months. For women, sometimes the stiffness and pain begins in the neck.
Other common symptoms include:
- Mild fever
- Loss of appetite
- General discomfort
- Stiffness and pain, typically worse in the morning and again at night
- Pain and tenderness in the ribs, shoulder blades, hips, thighs, and heels
- Fatigue
- Mild to moderate anemia
- Painful, watery, and red eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to bright light
Treatment Options
Currently, there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis and the condition requires a lifetime of treatment. Most management plans incorporate a number of these common treatments which include:
- Medication: Seven different types and classes may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain
- Exercise and Posture Practices: Helps improve flexibility, maintain good posture, and lessen pain
- Diet and Nutrition: Choose anti-inflammatory foods and other foods that don’t trigger symptoms
- Stress Reduction: Modalities include counselling, meditation, yoga, massage, being in nature, and tai chi can help people manage pain.
- Hot/Cold Therapy: Helps relax muscles and reduce joint pain
- Surgery: Only used in severe cases
If you are concerned about the gene or are experiencing any signs or symptoms, make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. Medical attention can help treat pain and slow the progression of the condition.