Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It belongs to a group of conditions called spondyloarthritis and can cause vertebrae in the spine to fuse over time.

Key Symptoms

• Lower back pain and stiffness
• Pain that worsens with rest and improves with activity
• Early morning stiffness lasting >30 minutes
• Fatigue
• Reduced spine flexibility
• Potential hip and shoulder joint involvement

Who Gets AS?

• Typically develops in young adults (late teens to early 30s)
• More common in men than women
• Strong genetic component (HLA-B27 gene)

Diagnosis

Medical Evaluation

• Physical examination
• Medical history review
• Blood tests (including HLA-B27, ESR, CRP)
• Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI)

Treatment Options

Medications

1. NSAIDs

   • First-line treatment
   • Reduces pain and inflammation

2. Biologics

   • TNF inhibitors
   • IL-17 inhibitors

3. DMARDs

   • Used for peripheral joint involvement

Physical Therapy

• Regular exercise
• Posture training
• Breathing exercises
• Range-of-motion activities

Living with AS

Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintain good posture
• Regular exercise routine
• Smoking cessation
• Healthy weight maintenance

Self-Management Strategies

• Heat/cold therapy
• Sleep hygiene
• Stress management
• Regular monitoring

Complications

• Reduced spine flexibility
• Osteoporosis
• Heart problems
• Eye inflammation (uveitis)

When to Seek Medical Care

• Severe pain or stiffness
• New or worsening symptoms
• Vision problems
• Difficulty breathing

Prognosis

While there's no cure for AS, proper management can help maintain quality of life and prevent severe complications. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes.