Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

A problem could occur in the spine, leading to the feeling that it’s stiff and not as flexible as it should be. Ankylosing spondylitis causes problems in the spine in addition to other organs in the body.

Ankylosing spondylitis

It’s a type of chronic arthritis that affects the spine, and it’s classified under the group of spondyloarthropathies.

Usually, joints and ligaments in the spine help them move and bend, but in the case of ankylosing spondylitis, the inflammation of these joints causes the stiffness of the vertebrae and the loss of the spine flexibility.

It affects women more than men and manifests more in people younger than 40 years old.

Causes of ankylosing spondylitis

AS is an autoimmune disease (a defect in the immune system that causes it to attack the body itself). There isn’t a specific reason for this condition, yet there are some risk factors that increase the risk of having this condition, such as genetic factors (especially if one of the parents has it) and having other conditions, like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis.

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

• Stiffness and pain in the middle and low back, in addition to the hip, especially when waking up in the morning and getting up from lying down.
• Stiffness and pain of other joints in the body, such as shoulders, ribs, knees, and feet.
• Pain in the buttocks and neck.
• Stomach and abdominal pain.
• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Shortness of breath.
• Skin rash.
• Loss of appetite and diarrhea.
• Vision problems.

Complications of ankylosing spondylitis

AS could lead to serious complications in severe cases, such as:

• The vertebrae become attached.
• Kyphosis (the spine becomes bended).
• Osteoporosis.
• Eye problems, such as uveitis.
• Heart problems, such as aortitis, arrhythmia, and cardiomyopathy.
• Nerve damage.

Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis

• Physical exam.
• Imaging tests.
• Blood tests.

Management of ankylosing spondylitis

There isn’t a treatment for this condition, yet it can be managed through:

• Exercising.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid smoking.
• Some painkillers and specific medications.
• In severe and rare cases, surgery.