- About Us
- Procedures
- Conditions Treated
- Patient Resources
- Blog
- Contact Us
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of autoimmune arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes inflammation in the joints between the vertebrae, as well as in the joints between the spine and the pelvis. This inflammation can lead to the fusion of the affected joints, causing the spine to become stiff and inflexible. Diagnosis is often made with imaging studies and lab tests. Treatment typically includes anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the joints between the spine and pelvis (called the sacroiliac joints). It is believed to be an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body. The chronic inflammation can cause the spine to become fused, or “ankylosed”.
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown. It is believed to be related to genetics and the immune system.
Research suggests that ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. This can lead to inflammation in the joints and other tissues, causing the symptoms of the condition.
Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with a gene called HLA-B27, which is present in about 8 out of 10 people with the condition. However, not everyone with the gene develops ankylosing spondylitis, and not everyone with ankylosing spondylitis has the gene. This suggests that other factors, such as environmental triggers, may also play a role in the development of the condition.
According to the World Health Organization, the overall prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis is estimated to be 0.1-1% of the global population. However, the prevalence of the condition may be higher in certain populations, such as people of Northern European descent and those of African ancestry.
In the United States, the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis is estimated to be around 0.5-1.4% of the population. The condition is more common in men than in women, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1.
It is important to note that the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis may be underestimated, as the condition is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to its varied and sometimes subtle symptoms.
The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary from person to person and may range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include:
There is no single test that can definitively diagnose ankylosing spondylitis, so the diagnosis is often made based on a combination of clinical examination, blood tests, and x-ray.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including any family history of ankylosing spondylitis or other forms of spondyloarthritis. They will perform a physical examination to check for signs of inflammation and stiffness in the spine and other joints.
Some blood tests that may be used to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis include:
X-rays of the spine may be taken to look for changes in the bones that are characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis. Some of these findings include:
It is important to note that the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis can be difficult and may require multiple visits to the doctor and a combination of different diagnostic tests.
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but it can be managed with medications, physical therapy, and other treatments.
Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis typically involves a combination of the following approaches:
Some medications that may be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis include:
It is important to work closely with a healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis may need to be adjusted over time as the condition progresses and your symptoms change.
The prognosis for ankylosing spondylitis varies from person to person and depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the condition, the effectiveness of treatment, and the individual’s overall health.
In general, the prognosis for ankylosing spondylitis has improved in recent years due to advances in treatment. With appropriate management, many people with ankylosing spondylitis are able to maintain good quality of life and can continue to work and participate in physical activities.
