Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis which mainly effects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is a very painful disorder and is chronic in nature. This means that once developed, Ankylosing Spondylitis keeps recurring in the patient. It is degenerative and thus becomes worse with the passage of time. It may eventually lead to complete fusion of the spine. At this stage the patient's spine loses all its flexibility. This condition is known as a 'bamboo spine'.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is accompanied by acute and chronic pain. The lower part of the spine feels stiff and the pain may fluctuate. In many cases Ankylosing Spondylitis occurs with iridocyclitis leading to pain in the eyes and a sensitivity to light. Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis also include fatigue and ulcers in the mouth. The disorder is mostly developed in patients who are between 15 and 30 years of age. However, it can occur in children at a very early age. Children suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis usually complain of continuous joint pains.
Ankylosing Spondylitis cannot be detected on the basis of any particular test. X-ray images of the spine may show fusion and changes occurring in the spine. However, these images may show these changes many years after a person contracts Ankylosing Spondylitis. This can delay treatment of the problem.
Magnetic resonance imaging and tomography give more accurate diagnosis. The Schober's test is also used for diagnosisng this form of spondylitis.Neglect of Ankylosing Spondylitis may lead to knee pain. If undiagnosed for a long time, the patient may develop osteoporosis of the spine. This condition can lead to compression fractures. Other organs which can be affected by Ankylosing Spondylitis are the lungs, heart, kidney and colon. There is no complete cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis. Exercise and physical therapy can reduce the pain caused by this disorder. Medicines also need to be taken to treat the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
|
|
These include Ibuprofen, Asprin and Naproxen. Immunosuppression reduces the response of the immune system. This is because Ankylosing Spondylitisis an autoimmune disorder in which a body is unable to recognise its own cell and thus attacks them. This leads to the body developing immunity towards its own cells and tissues.
In case of severe cases of AS, the patient may have to undergo surgery. These are usually in the form of
knee and hip replacement surgeries. Physical therapies may provide relief from pain for patients. Swimming is recommended for people suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis. Slow exercises like yoga and stretching may also be beneficial. All these therapies are helpful in reducing the pain that accompanies Ankylosing Spondylitis. To know about arthritis and the causes, symptoms and treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis, log onto arthritisxl.com .
|
