Ankylosing Spondylitis Overview

Study Notes

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis characterized by inflammation where the spine joins your pelvis. It most commonly affects males under the age of 40 and can also cause stiffness in other joints such as hips, shoulders, and knees. The condition may develop slowly over time, with symptoms sometimes so mild they go unrecognized until the disease has progressed significantly.

Causes

The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown. However, it's likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly immune system factors. People who have family members with this type of arthritis are more likely to get it themselves.

Symptoms

Early symptoms often occur before puberty and include:

Pain in the lower back and buttocks
Stiff neck and shoulders
Reduced mobility in the spine
Pain in various joints

Later stages involve fusion of the vertebrae in the spine, which results in loss of mobility that can affect the ability to work.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask questions about your medical history and do physical examinations to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. They might also order blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, bone scans, or MRI scans to rule out other conditions.

Management

There isn't a cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but treatments can help reduce pain and slow down the progression of the disease. Medications used include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), biologic agents like tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, pain relievers, and in some cases surgery. Physical therapy exercises can improve flexibility and range of motion.

Treatment Options

Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis aims to manage symptoms and prevent damage. This involves medication like NSAIDs and opioids for short-term pain relief, TNF inhibitors if the disease doesn't respond well to NSAIDs, and corticosteroids for inflammation. Surgery is considered when severe disability occurs despite optimal medical management.

Description

Explore the key aspects of ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine and joints. Learn about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis methods, and management options to reduce pain and improve mobility.