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ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS - Causes and symptoms
April 30th 2009 04:12
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease predominantly affecting the spine, and causing severe pain, stiffness and loss of movement. In later stages, the chronic disease can lead to fusion of the vertebral column resulting in virtual immobility. In addition to the spine, the disease can affect other joints (mainly hips and knee), causing pain, swelling of the affected joints and permanent damage if not adequately treated. Ankylosing spondylitis is approximately three times more common in men than among women. It is generally seen in people in the 20-40 age-groups. It is known to affect children but rarely.
CAUSES
It is believed to be genetically inherited. Those with a particular gene – HLA-B27 – are at a much higher risk, although not everyone with the gene will have the disease.
SYMPTOMS
Inflammation of the spine and joints. Pain in the lower/mid-back, buttocks and neck. Pain is generally worse while resting and more prevalent early in the morning, resulting in disturbed sleep. It reduces with physical activity and anti-inflammatory pain killers. The onset of pain is generally gradual, but worsens over a period of time. In some cases, the progression can be rapid and very disabling. Severely-affected patients can develop complete fusion of the spine. Once fused, the pain disappears but spinal mobility is lost. The disease could affect the hips and knees, resulting in permanent damage. Some patients develop problems other than in the spine like eye inflammation, skin rashes and diarrhea.
TREATMENT
Physical examination, X-ray, MRI findings and blood tests. More recently, over the last few years, newer drugs (biological therapy/anti-TNF therapy) are available.
CAUSES
It is believed to be genetically inherited. Those with a particular gene – HLA-B27 – are at a much higher risk, although not everyone with the gene will have the disease.
SYMPTOMS
Inflammation of the spine and joints. Pain in the lower/mid-back, buttocks and neck. Pain is generally worse while resting and more prevalent early in the morning, resulting in disturbed sleep. It reduces with physical activity and anti-inflammatory pain killers. The onset of pain is generally gradual, but worsens over a period of time. In some cases, the progression can be rapid and very disabling. Severely-affected patients can develop complete fusion of the spine. Once fused, the pain disappears but spinal mobility is lost. The disease could affect the hips and knees, resulting in permanent damage. Some patients develop problems other than in the spine like eye inflammation, skin rashes and diarrhea.
TREATMENT
Physical examination, X-ray, MRI findings and blood tests. More recently, over the last few years, newer drugs (biological therapy/anti-TNF therapy) are available.
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