The condition is more common among men and usually begins in early adulthood.
Symptoms typically appear in early adulthood and include reduced flexibility in the spine. This reduced flexibility eventually results in a hunched-forward posture. Pain in the back and joints is also common.
Treatment includes medication, physical therapy, and in rare cases surgery.
Common
More than 200,000 cases per year in US
Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure
Requires a medical diagnosis
Often requires lab test or imaging
More common in males
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Family history may increase likelihood
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the vertebrae in your spine to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture. If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply.
Ankylosing spondylitis affects men more often than women. Signs and symptoms typically begin in early adulthood. Inflammation also can occur in other parts of your body — most commonly, your eyes.
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but treatments can lessen your symptoms and possibly slow progression of the disease.
Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips
- The symptoms are more evident in the morning or following long duration of inactivity
- Other symptoms noted include
- Neck pain
- Buttock pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
The exact cause for ankylosing spondylitis is not known. It is said to be the result of a genetic change.
Other factors that could influence ankylosing spondylitis include:
- Gender: Men are at increased risk than women
- Age: The disease tends to develop during late adolescence or early adulthood
- Family history
- Exercise regularly: Practice daily bending, stretching, and breathing exercises
- Maintain proper posture
- Quit alcohol and smoking
Fusion of the vertebrae in the affected part is one of the main complications. This leads to:
- Stiffness and inflexibility in the affected part
- Hunched forward posture
- Difficulty in breathing, when ribs are affected
Other complications noted include:
- Uveitis or eye inflammation
- Compression of the spinal cord in case of fractures in the vertebrae
- Problems in aorta and heart
The primary diagnosis depends on physical examination which involves the movement of spine, legs, and the pelvis.
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