Ankylosing spondylitis is a genetic arthritic condition that affects the spine, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can spread to other organs and lead to spinal fusion. Treatment includes medication, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases.
Spondylitis, also known as ankylosing spondylitis, is an arthritic condition that directly affects the spine. It causes chronic pain and general discomfort in the upper and lower back. Patients also often experience a general feeling of stiffness in the back and may eventually lose some mobility. Ankylosing spondylitis always starts with the spine, but over time it can spread to different organ systems throughout the body, leading to a number of different symptoms.
As ankylosing spondylitis progresses, symptoms may gradually get worse. At first, patients will experience pain and stiffness, especially in the lower spine near the buttocks. Eventually, the pain may begin to spread to the upper areas of the spine and other joints in the body, such as the hips. As the disease becomes advanced, patients may find that their spine is inflexible and they may begin to lose weight or suffer from chronic fatigue.
Like other forms of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease. This inflammation can cause the body’s immune system to react as if there has been some type of injury, and new bone may begin to grow in the spine. This bone can eventually lead to overall immobilization of the spine. This condition is called spinal fusion and is not very common, but it is a real possibility if the disorder is left untreated.
Most scientists agree that ankylosing spondylitis is genetically inherited. There is a particular gene called HLA-B27 that has been directly associated with the disorder. While there’s definitely a correlation between the gene and the disease, many people have the gene and never develop the condition, so some scientists suspect there are other factors involved as well.
Besides the genetic connection, there are a few other things that increase a person’s risk. Men are more likely to get the disease than women, especially when they are in their 20s and 30s. Native Americans are also slightly more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis than other races.
Ankylosing spondylitis cannot be cured, but there are some treatments available that can help reduce the discomfort and reduce the chance of serious complications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful in dealing with pain and reducing inflammation. As symptoms progress, more serious medications may be prescribed. Some doctors also recommend physical therapy to help maintain basic spinal mobility. In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery, but this isn’t very common.
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