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Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis is also called rheumatoid spondylitis or Marie-Strümpell disease. It is a rheumatic inflammatory condition that affects the spinal bones and joints. It can also affect other joints and organs throughout the body. This condition is a type of
arthritis
that is far more prevalent in men than women by a margin of 3 to 1. Rheumatoid spondylitis can affect patients of any age, and can become a very serious health concern.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosis means a fusion or joining of spinal structures. Spondylitis simply means inflammation of the spine and spinal structures. The name refers to an inflammatory condition of the spinal and
sacroiliac joints,
leading to the fusion of these structures. Obviously, these areas were designed to allow movement, so the fusion of the bones and joints in this region will cause widespread reduction of movement and overall disability.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Targets
The lower spinal region is the primary target for most cases of this condition. However, it can strike anywhere in
the back,
neck or throughout the entire body. The disease may also affect the heart, eyes, lungs or kidneys. This is especially true in female patients.
Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis
The primary cause of this disease is heredity. People inherit the HLA-B27 gene believed to be the prime cause of this condition. Over 90% of patients display an inherited propensity for this condition, testing positive for the HLA-B27 gene. The majority of people with this gene will NOT develop the disease. Science is still trying to determine the other factors necessary to develop this symptomatic condition.
Symptoms of Spondylitis
Pain, fatigue and especially stiffness are the primary manifestations of this condition. Most often, the symptoms start slowly and gradually progress in their intensity. Advanced forms of the disease cause a curvature in the thoracic spine referred to as
kyphosis.
This curvature affects the lungs and leaves the patient susceptible to breathing problems and respiratory difficulties. As the disease progresses, it is common for the actual spinal joints to fuse into one solid piece of bone. This leaves the patient particularly inflexible and vulnerable to developing
fractured vertebrae.
Other serious symptoms involving inflammation and loss of function can affect the eyes, heart, skin, intestines or kidneys.
Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Conservative treatment is usually a program of
heat therapy,
physical therapy
and
pain management drugs.
Be warned that many of the drugs used to treat muscle pain, stiffness and inflammation have powerful known and unknown side effects. This treatment agenda is designed to expand the range of motion, reduce inflammation and increase cardiovascular capacity. In severe cases,
back surgery
might be required to stabilize and repair damaged spinal levels or joints.
Recommendation for Ankylosing Spondylitis
This is a condition that is still largely mysterious to medical science. Doctors are not sure exactly what causes the disease, nor how to prevent it. Treatment is successful in most patients, allowing them to lead relatively normal lives. The disease usually progresses for about a decade and then the progression slows or ends. If a patient can maintain good results from treatment during the active growth phase of the condition, the patient’s prognosis is good. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, research your options carefully. Many patients have reported excellent results from alternative therapies, such as
herbs
and
acupuncture.
Ankylosing Spondylitis to Back Pain Home
10/31/06 Revised 10/13/09
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