Ankylosing spondylitis is a unique form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of a person’s spine. This inflammation can lead to occasional or chronic stiffness and discomfort in the spine, and in more serious cases, the body will actually try to address the inflammation by producing new bone, which can actually lead to the fusion of different spinal vertebrae. As you might imagine, this fusion can lead to even more stiffness and rigidness throughout the spine.
In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why the condition develops and how ankylosing spondylitis can be prevented and treated.
The Causes And Symptoms Of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Like many forms of arthritis, the exact cause of the condition isn’t well understood. That said, there are some risk factors that may suggest a person is at a greater risk of developing the condition. For example, ankylosing spondylitis tends to affect men more often than women, and it is more common in individuals with other inflammatory conditions, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Also, it’s more common in individuals with a family history of the condition and those with a specific genetic predisposition (HLA-B27, to be specific).
We touched on some of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis in the introduction, but other symptoms of the condition include:
- Pain and stiffness in the lower back or hips
- Stiffness after long periods of inactivity
- Neck discomfort
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision, as the inflammation can also affect your eyes
- Abdominal pain
- Bowel changes
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosing And Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis
If you are dealing with any of the symptoms listed above, or you’ve found that you’re dealing with more frequent instances of spinal stiffness, contact a spine specialist like Dr. Jackman. He’ll talk with you about your symptoms, review your medical history and conduct a physical exam to assess the health of your spine. If ankylosing spondylitis is suspected, your specialist will likely order imaging tests to look for evidence of inflammation or early bone fusion.
Treatment will focus on slowing the progression of the condition and reducing or eliminating symptoms, because the arthritis cannot be completely cured. That said, many individuals with ankylosing spondylitis live normal lives by following some treatment protocols to keep their discomfort at a minimum. Some of the most common treatments for ankylosing spondylitis include:
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Medication can help to calm inflammation and make movement less uncomfortable.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy will help to expand your comfortable range of motion and strengthen spinal structures so that stress on the spine doesn’t trigger an inflammatory response.
- Diet And Exercise – An improved diet and more frequent exercise can also help you become more physically fit, which in turn helps to drown out some of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Being overweight can also lead to more spinal inflammation, so improved diet and exercise can help you reach an optimal weight.
Surgery isn’t typically advised for an individual with ankylosing spondylitis unless effects of the condition have eroded a hip or facet joint so badly that an operation is needed. Most patients find enough relief through the simple conservative treatments listed above and regular monitoring from their spine care provider.
For more information about ankylosing spondylitis, or to talk to a spine specialist about your back discomfort, reach out to Dr. Jackman’s office today at (651) 430-3800.
