Ankylosing Spondylosis: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors

Ankylosing spondylosis, commonly known as ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spines. It is a chronic condition with pain and stiffness from the neck to the lower back, which is progressive. In later stages, it can cause fusion of the joints
The main joints that are affected in ankylosing spondylitis are
• The sacroiliac joints
• The vertebral column

Ankylosing spondylitis Symptoms

• Low back pain with stiffness
• Pain and stiffness at buttock region which aggravates by rest and is better by movement
• Pain worse at night and early morning
• Stiffness, which is better as the day progresses.
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Pain in the chest due to the affection of the costovertebral joints and costosternal joints.
• Enthesitis, which causes problems like plantar fasciitis and an Achilles tendonitis.
• Inflammation of eyes

Causes

The real cause of the disease is unknown. It is mostly thought to be caused due to HLA B27 gene.
This condition is often considered genetic and is mostly found in the Native American population.

Ankylosing spondylitis Risk factors

• Young men are at higher risk.
• Family history
• People who have HLA B27 genes

How to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylosis is an excruciating condition, sometimes disfiguring the curvature of the vertebral column. The diagnostic technique to diagnose this condition are:
• X-ray: The typical presentation of a bamboo spine is indicative of an advanced stage of ankylosing spondylitis.
• Symptoms: the symptoms of pain are very characteristic of this disease.
• MRI: An MRI of the affected joint shows inflammation of the joints.
• Chest examination: Due to the involvement of costovertebral and costosternal joints, the measurement of chest size varies while breathing.
• Blood tests: helps to reveal the presence of HLA B27 genes, presence of C reactive proteins in the blood.
• Schober test: It is a significant test as it helps to decide the flexibility of the lumbar spine during the physical evaluation of the patient.

How to treat ankylosing spondylitis?

There is no cure for this condition; however, with some treatment, the discomfort can be reduced. The principal aim of the treatment is to reduce pain, stiffness, prevent deformity, maintain a good posture, and the ability to do daily chores without any disability.

Few methods that can be adapted to lead a healthy life are:
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Medication as advised by the doctor
• Exercise as it helps reduce the stiffness of joints. Swimming is very good for exercise for people suffering from ankylosing spondylitis.
• Surgery can be performed in cases with an advanced stage to reduce discomfort.

Complications

Ankylosing spondylosis is a very complex condition affecting many parts of the body, causing complications which leads to other health complications :
• Reduced flexibility due to the fusion of the vertebra together. The fusion of vertebra causes difficulties in changing positions.
• Joint damage due to prolonged inflammation of the joints. This condition sometimes calls for joint replacement surgery also.
• Iritis
• Osteoporosis
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Amyloidosis
• A problem to sit for a long time

 

List of Orthopedics Surgeons in India

See more