Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a long term disease which may lead to joining of the affected bones. Ankylosing Spondylitis usually happens in the form of inflammation at the joints between the spinal bones, spine, and pelvis. Scientific researches have not come to a conclusion about the causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis, but many say that it has something to do with genetic factors. Ankylosing Spondylitis usually starts when someone is 20 or even before. The risk factors that contribute to the probability of getting Ankylosing Spondylitis are gender and heredity. Males are at more risks of contracting Ankylosing Spondylitis, as well as those with family history of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis usually attack first in the form of back pain, especially on the lower parts. The pain can come and go for times and later it gets more severe during night, morning, or when you do not move. It may be hard to sleep comfortably when you get Ankylosing Spondylitis attack. If you leave back pain untreated, it can spread to other or even all parts of the spine. Attacks on lower part of spine may cause you to lose mobility and fail chest expanding. To relieve the pain, do some exercises or activities. Besides back pain, there are also other less common symptoms such as heel pain, eye inflammation, fatigue, joint pain, slight fever, weight loss, poor appetite, hip pain, and stiffness.

Medical practitioners need to conduct some test to acknowledge the presence of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Tests such as CBC, ESR, HLA-B27 antigen, and X-rays of the spine and pelvis are common practice to develop diagnosis. After the condition is fixed, the doctor will render appropriate treatments which usually include NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), Corticosteroid, and or TNF-inhibitors. NSAIDS can work to reduce inflammation and pain. As we know, it is common to treat many forms of arthritis or related diseases. Corticosteroid can suppress the immune system, while TNF-inhibitors can block inflammatory protein which improves the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Cell growth blocking drugs may also be used in certain condition. If the pain or joint damage has gone severe, patients must take surgery procedures for total treatment. Thus, it is important that you consult medical practitioners as soon as possible when you find any symptoms that may lead to Ankylosing Spondylitis. Earlier acknowledgement will make it easier to treat and, also, you do not have to suffer from too much pain.