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Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
This group contains additional names: - Spinal Enthesopathy
Ankylosing spondylitis (also called axial spondyloarthritis) is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine and neck. It can also affect the pelvis (also called sacroiliitis), heels and other joints, and damage tendons and ligaments. The inflammatory process over time causes the damaged bones to fuse, leading to a significant limitation in motility. The cause of the disease is unknown, but it is known to have a genetic (hereditary) basis.
530 people with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) are on Alike.
The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis most often appear in early adulthood (usually before age 45) and gradually. The most common symptom is lower back pain, which occurs mainly with waking up (a characteristic called morning stiffness) and is relieved by movement. Over time, the mobility of the back becomes limited, and it is more difficult to perform forward and backward bending. Other joints may also be sore, including the pelvis, hips, heels and shoulders. Thickening of the fingers (dactylitis) may occur. Non-articular symptoms may also appear, such as eyes symptoms (pain, blurred vision) and rarely cardiac symptoms.
Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis requires examination by a physician, which includes a medical history and a complete physical examination. An x-ray of the spine is usually necessary for diagnosis. In some cases, blood tests will also be performed, the purpose of which is to rule out other causes of symptoms.
Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis aims to reduce the pain and improve the quality of life. Treatment will usually include: - Lifestyle changes - Quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamin D and calcium (essential for maintaining bone health). - Exercise - Adherence to exercise is a major part of treating ankylosing spondylitis, since it prevents the stiffening of the joints. - physiotherapy - Painkillers - Surgery - Surgery will usually be performed only in exceptional cases where the usual treatment has not been sufficient to relieve the symptoms
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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During summer 2023 I went to spine center for severe back pain right side. I also experienced severe pain with any bending. At one point I had to hold on to wall and end table to get up. I was told I had **arthritis** through out my back, pelvis and spine. After consulting my NP daughter she said I needed to start mobic and something for pain. I was told Tylenol and they did order mobic. Then I suffered severe constipation and as RN I knew it was way unusual when not one otc including citrate of magnesium didn't work. I asked him for flat and upright and yes my colon loaded but he also saw multiple spots at base of spine. Next X-rays, MRI, PET scan all confirming MM. I had pin in left head of femur for fracture, kyphoplasty 5 days later for burst L11 and compressed L-3. Had PE, in hospital 7 days, discharged next day back to ER with 102.7 temp...UTI. That was 4 days. Also have had 3 blood transfusions for low hemoglobin under 7. I'm doing well with chemo and have tolerated few changes made. Fatigue? Yes, but it's from my r leg that I drag around. I use rollator at times but most I use came. I hope this helps if anyone else having any of these symptoms.
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