Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Missing Link to get Relief

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

General information to understand What is Ankylosing spondylitis, how it affected and how to treat it.

AS is a form of arthritis which can make your neck, lower back and buttocks feel painful and stiff. In some people, gradually it can also affect the shape of the spine.“Ankylosing” means “fusing together”. “Spondylitis” means “inflammation of the spine”, which causes stiffness, tenderness, and discomfort.

The sacroiliac joints are commonly affected in AS. These joints connect the base of your spine to your pelvis. Other joints, such as the hips and shoulders, can also be involved. AS can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, skin, bowel, and lungs. The symptoms of AS usually begin between the ages of 15 and 45 years.

The severity of AS symptoms varies greatly. Some people will have mild neck/back pain and discomfort for short periods; others will have severe pain and stiffness in several parts of the body for a long time. In severe cases, AS can seriously impact on everyday life and lead to disability.

Significant medical advances in recent years mean that new treatments and Physiotherapy Rehabilitation can reduce the pain associated with and symptoms of the condition and help improve the quality of life for people living with AS.

What causes Ankylosing Spondylitis?

At the moment, it is not known exactly what causes AS. However, a combination of environmental and genetic factors may make you more likely to have AS. Environmental factors such as infections may also be involved.

What are the symptoms?

Although the symptoms of AS vary from person to person, and between men and women, they include:

 Ref:LAUREN GELMAN

• Pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks, worsening over weeks or months.

• Pain and stiffness that is worse in the mornings and during the night, but may be improved by light exercise.

• Mild fever.

• Loss of appetite.

• Pain and tenderness in the ribs, shoulder blades, hips, thighs, and heels.

• Fatigue.

• Mild to moderate anemia (shortage of red blood cells), which can make people pale, tired and short of breath.

• Inflammation of the bowel.

• Inflammation of the eyes (iritis or uveitis), making them painful, watery, red and sensitive to bright light.

How is it diagnosed?

Many people in the early stages of AS think they have common back pain and do not seek help. However, it is important to have AS diagnosed as early as possible as there are many effective treatments available. Your doctor will diagnose AS from your symptoms, a physical examination, and blood tests to measure levels of inflammation. Your doctor may also order x-rays of your spine, but these tests can all be normal in the early stages. If your doctor suspects you have AS you should consult a Rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in AS.

Can AS be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for AS. However treatment for AS has improved dramatically, with new medicines that are extremely helpful in controlling the condition. Be vary of any products or therapies that claim to cure AS.

What are the right treatments for AS?

A Rheumatology Team: 

• Patient himself
• Rheumatologist
• Specialized Physiotherapist

Your Rheumatologist will tailor your treatment to your symptoms and the severity of your condition. There is no way of predicting exactly which treatment will work best for you. Each treatment has its own benefits and risks. Your doctor may need to try several different treatments before finding the one that is right for you.

Treatment for AS usually involves: Advised medicine and Individually tailored exercise protocol by Physiotherapist.

DR.ARUN KUMAR RAWAL, PT

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

MPT- Musculoskeletal & Sports Injuries