It is known by the name ankylosing spondylitis as a type of arthritis that affects the joints and bones found in the spine. This disorder causes inflammation in the area, mainly in the sacroiliac joints, where the spine meets the pelvis. This alteration can affect other body joints such as the shoulders, hips, feet, knees, and ribs. In addition, tendons and ligaments that attach to bones may also be involved. As this disease develops, there may be inflammation in organs such as the iris and the uvea, and in some rare cases, the lungs, heart, and kidneys may also be affected.
If you want to know more about this pathology, at FastlyHealwe, we provide you with all the information about ankylosing spondylitis: symptoms and treatment.
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Primary symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis, also called AS, can begin with low back pain that comes and goes, although it is usually more present during the day as the disorder progresses.
It can be observed that the pain and stiffness get worse at night, in the morning, or when you are not active, you could even wake up during the night due to the discomfort it causes, but generally, the pain improves with activity or mild exercise. On the other hand, back pain can begin between the pelvis and the spine, which could later affect part or all of the entire spine.
Another common symptom of ankylosing spondylitis is stiffness and pain in other parts of the body, such as the shoulders, knees, and ankles. The eye, intercostal joints, and sternum may also be swollen and uncomfortable.
Causes of ankylosing spondylitis
So far, the cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. Still, it is considered that genes and heredity play a vital role and could be determining factors for the development of this disorder. In addition, in recent research, they found a common gene in 90% of people who suffer from it, known by the name HLA-B27. It is a gene associated with a family of genes linked to the immune system.
Although having this gene does not imply that AS develops, this can influence in the same way as other factors, such as whether there are direct relatives who have the HLA-B27 gene. On the other hand, as it is a pathology of the arthritis family, it can begin between 20 and 40 and generally affects men more than women.
Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis
If you know or suspect that you may have ankylosing spondylitis, you must consult your doctor so that he can carry out the corresponding controls and grant you the treatment indicated for your case. In general, the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is usually based on administering medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help reduce pain and inflammation. Although numerous medications of this type are available over the counter, you must consult a specialist before administering anything.
If the pain is terrible and the swelling does not subside, you may need stronger medications such as corticosteroid therapy, sulfasalazine, or TNF inhibitors.
On the other hand, surgery may be required in severe cases, and a little exercise is always recommended to improve symptoms.
We also recommend that you consult the article Home remedies for arthritis.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.