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Definition
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes arthritis of the spine and hips. It can also affect other joints such as the knees, and can cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs, or heart valves.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Causes
The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. However, most people with ankylosing spondylitis share a common gene marker called HLA-B27. This finding indicates that genes play an important role in the development of this condition.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Sex: male
- Age: adolescent and young adult (ages 15-35)
- Family members with ankylosing spondylitis
- Having the HLA-B27 gene marker
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Symptoms
The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to very severe.
Common symptoms may include:
- Stiffening and pain (arthritis) of the:
- Lower back
- Sacroiliac joint, where the back and hip meet, possibly radiating down the legs
- Pain that is often worse at night
- Stiffness that is worse in the morning
- Symptom improvement with exercise or activity
- Occasionally, pain and stiffness in other joints:
- Knee
- Upper back
- Rib cage
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Feet
- Chest pain, which may suggest heart, heart valve (aortic insufficiency), or lung involvement
- Eye pain, visual changes, increased tearing which may suggest eye involvement (uveitis)
Less common symptoms may include:
FatigueLoss of appetite or weight lossFeverNumbness (if arthritic spurs compress the spinal nerves) Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, such as: Dramatic loss of flexibility of the lower back and spine (limitation of motion of the low back)Pain in the lower backLimited chest expansion when taking deep breaths Tests may include: X-rays of the lower back and hips to check for characteristic changes Occasionally, MRI scan or CT scan of the involved joints Blood tests to check for: HLA-B27 gene markerAnemiaElevated sedimentation ratePresence of other autoimmune markers TreatmentThere is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment is aimed at providing education and relieving the symptoms.Treatments may include: MedicationsDrug treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and inflammation.In recent years, a number of newer anti-inflammaory medications have been discovered. Physical Therapy Techniques to prevent progression and worsening of symptoms may include:
Learning proper posture and the best positions for sleeping Daily exercise, such as: Abdominal and back exercises (to decrease back stiffness and maintain good posture)Stretching exercisesSwimming exercisesBreathing exercises (in cases where the rib cage is affected) Surgery In severe cases, hip or joint replacement surgery may be needed to relieve pain and restore mobility. In some instances spinal surgery is needed to allow the person an upright posture. PreventionThere are no guidelines for preventing ankylosing spondylitis because the cause is unknown. RESOURCES: National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS)http://www.nass.co.uk Spondylitis Association of America (SAA)http://www.spondylitis.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: The Arthritis Societyhttp://www.arthritis.ca/custom%20home/default.asp?s=1 Canadian Spondyloarthritis Associationhttp://www.spondylitis.ca/en/ References: American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/ . The Merck Manual of Medical InformationHome Edition . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000. Peh WCG. Ankylosing spondylitis. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic41.htm .
Schaffert A . Ankylosing spondylitis. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic15htm . University of Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Department website. Available at: http://www.orthop.washington.edu/ . Last reviewed March 2008 by Robert E. Leach, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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