Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), sometimes referred to as axial spondylitis, is an inflammatory disease that causes certain spinal vertebrae to fuse. This fusion may result in a hunched posture and decreased lumbar flexibility. If the ribs are affected, deep breathing might be difficult. It is an excruciating condition and, if not treated, can make it difficult for people to perform their regular activities.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Meaning
AS, or ankylosing spondylitis, is a kind of arthritis that results in inflammation in certain spine parts. Spondyl denotes the spine, ankylosing denotes stiffness or rigidity, and “itis” denotes inflammation. This condition leads to large joints and spine inflammation, causing pain and stiffness. It may damage the joint between the hip bone and the spine, which is called the sacroiliac joint. People may even develop bony bridges between spine vertebrae due to inflammation, resulting in bone fusing. They may also have bone fusing in their chest. This condition generally begins between 18 and 40 years old and may not even have symptoms till a later stage.
AS progresses through three stages – early, progressive, and late (Advanced). As the disease progresses with time, people experience more stiffness and pain. The symptoms listed below depend on the stage the patient is currently in.
Factors Affecting Stage Progression of AS
Although AS is unpredictable, certain factors may affect a person’s condition from one stage to the other.
- Being sedentary or less active
- Family history of AS
- Inflammation levels in the body
- Extent of Joint involvement and the points where the pain is extreme (severity of pain)
- If not undergoing any treatment
- Gender – men are more prone to quick-stage progression
Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
The ankylosing spondylitis symptoms are often similar to those of arthritis; some of them are:
- Stiffness that improves with exercises and is not relieved by rest
- Pain that improves with exercises and is not relieved by rest
- Rashes
- Digestive issues – inflammatory bowel disease
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Eye disease – uveitis
- Psoriasis, a skin disease
- If diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in the past
- Family history of the disease
- Low back pain
- Back pain that stays all night
- Back pain that radiates to the legs
Some of these spondylitis symptoms develop over some time and often come and go. The symptoms may get better for some people without much treatment, and for others, it may require a proper treatment plan.
How is AS Diagnosed?
Doctors, at the time of diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis condition, often start with a physical exam and check the patient’s medical history. There can be several imaging tests that you may be asked to undergo, along with lab tests for a proper diagnosis. They may ask you to bend in several positions to check your spine’s motion. By applying pressure to particular areas of your pelvis or positioning your legs in a certain way, your healthcare professional may attempt to replicate the pain you are experiencing. In order to determine whether you have trouble expanding your chest, you can also be asked to take a deep breath.
They can also ask a couple of questions, such as:
- What are the symptoms you are experiencing?
- When have the symptoms started?
- How long has it been since you have faced these symptoms?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
This condition has no cure, but your doctor may advise you on some treatment plans to relieve your symptoms. Some of the ankylosing spondylitis treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and exercise to improve your posture and mobility. They may even suggest medications to control inflammation and manage pain. If you are in the later stages, your doctor may suggest that you go for joint replacement or surgical repair. These treatment plans help prevent or delay spine stiffness and fusing. By following a proper treatment plan and adopting an adequate ankylosing spondylitis self care plan, people with this condition may live a productive life. AS is not a life-threatening condition, and following your doctor’s advice can be helpful.
However, spondylitis symptoms in females, especially if they are pregnant or planning to have one, must be clearly disclosed to the doctor. It has no harm to the mother and baby, but the symptoms must be disclosed for medication purposes as some may not be suitable during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
AS is a non-curable condition; however, the doctor’s advice and eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet may help in settling some symptoms. You may have to figure out which exercise works best for you to reduce the ongoing pain. In addition, you may also focus on drinking plenty of water and limiting your sugar to control inflammation. Always discuss your spondylitis symptoms with your doctor to get the best treatment plan for your health condition.
