Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms | Diagnosis |Treatment

This is an inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. This is a chronic condition that affects the joints of the point where the bones directly above the tailbone meet the bones on either side of the upper buttocks. A person suffering from this disease suffers from inflammation which causes pain and results in stiffness in this area. This can also lead to a complete fusion of the vertebrae and it is this process which is referred to as Ankylosis. When a person suffers from Ankylosing, he loses the mobility of the spine. This disease can also affect other tissues in the body. That is, it can cause injury or inflammation of joints in other parts of the body and also affect organs like eyes, heart, lungs and kidneys. This disease is one of the many rheumatic diseases and therefore it shares symptoms with different types of arthritic conditions. This condition is more likely to effect men than women. Also, people of various ages can be affected by this disease including children.

The most likely reason for people to get this disease is inherited and most people genetically inherit this condition. The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are usually to do with the inflammation of the joints. People suffering from this disease also complain of fatigue. The inflammation also result sin the stiffness in the lower back and the upper buttock area and the neck area. The stiffness and pain starts off gradually and then, with the passage of time, worsens. The best way to treat the stiffness and the inflammation is by regular movement and by giving heat therapy. People who tend to be inactive suffer from this stiffness far more than people who move about and keep themselves active. A hot water bath can help relieve the stiffness. Ankylosing Spondylitis can be diagnosed by evaluating the symptoms of the patient. The doctor completes a physical examination and then uses the findings from X-rays and blood tests to diagnose the condition. These tests can help determine the degree of inflammation and the decreasing range of motions. Flexibility of the patient is also assessed as is the existence of tenderness in the joints. Ankylosing Spondylitis can be treated with medication. These can help reduce the inflammation and improve the mobility of the spine, the posture. In addition to this medication, taken over a period of time, physical therapy can definitely help patients suffering from this condition. The therapy includes instruction and exercises which are aimed at helping the patients maintain a good posture and to improve the mobility of the spine and the joints.