Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of arthritis due to chronic inflammation of the joints in the spine. Although it primarily affects the spine, other joints can also get involved at an advanced stage. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) leading to severe pain and discomfort. In most severe form, it can lead to new bone formation between the vertebrae, causing the spine to fuse in a fixed and immobile position - preventing flexibility of the spine. This condition is commonly referred to as "bamboo spine". Sometimes an outward curvature of the spine occurs, which is called "kyphosis".
A few of the most common factors are constant pain and stiffness in the lower back, buttocks and hips that continue for more than three months. It may also result in bony overgrowth which may lead to abnormal joining or fusion of bones. Such fusion affects bones of the neck, back, or hips and impairs ability to perform routine activities. If the ribs get fused to the spine or breastbone, there might be difficulty in breathing. Inflammation, pain and stiffness in ligaments and tendons affecting the shoulders, hips, ribs, heels and small joints of the hands and feet may occur too.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a systemic disease in which symptoms may not be limited to the joints only. Sometimes the eyes can become inflamed - medically termed as 'iritis' (swelling up of the iris) and in rare cases it may also affect the lungs or the heart. Some people inflicted with this disease may also have fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.
The severity of Ankylosing Spondylitis varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some may experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort. The pain often becomes severe at rest, but improves with physical activity. The disease is typically characterised by acute, painful episodes or "flares" followed by temporary periods of remission where symptoms subside.
Ankylosing Spondylitis usually begins in the second or third decade of life and tends to affect men more often than women. Although no particular cause is yet known, there is a strong genetic or family link. People carrying a gene called HLA-B27 are more likely to develop this disease. There is no complete cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis. However, early diagnosis with proper treatment can help in controlling its progress. It may reduce pain and stiffness or prevent significant deformity.
By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Article Source: Spinal Fusion Is a Severe Outcome of Ankylosing Spondylitis
A few of the most common factors are constant pain and stiffness in the lower back, buttocks and hips that continue for more than three months. It may also result in bony overgrowth which may lead to abnormal joining or fusion of bones. Such fusion affects bones of the neck, back, or hips and impairs ability to perform routine activities. If the ribs get fused to the spine or breastbone, there might be difficulty in breathing. Inflammation, pain and stiffness in ligaments and tendons affecting the shoulders, hips, ribs, heels and small joints of the hands and feet may occur too.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a systemic disease in which symptoms may not be limited to the joints only. Sometimes the eyes can become inflamed - medically termed as 'iritis' (swelling up of the iris) and in rare cases it may also affect the lungs or the heart. Some people inflicted with this disease may also have fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.
The severity of Ankylosing Spondylitis varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some may experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort. The pain often becomes severe at rest, but improves with physical activity. The disease is typically characterised by acute, painful episodes or "flares" followed by temporary periods of remission where symptoms subside.
Ankylosing Spondylitis usually begins in the second or third decade of life and tends to affect men more often than women. Although no particular cause is yet known, there is a strong genetic or family link. People carrying a gene called HLA-B27 are more likely to develop this disease. There is no complete cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis. However, early diagnosis with proper treatment can help in controlling its progress. It may reduce pain and stiffness or prevent significant deformity.
By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Article Source: Spinal Fusion Is a Severe Outcome of Ankylosing Spondylitis
