Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine.

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease

That means it occurs as a result of a faulty immune system. Instead of identifying foreign bodies (such as viruses and bacteria), and attacking them to keep you healthy, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in and around your joints causing ongoing inflammation and pain.

As a result of this inflammation, new bone may grow around the joints in the spine.

This can lead to permanent stiffness in the back and neck of some people with AS. In severe cases this extra bone can fuse the bones of the spine together; however, this can usually be prevented by starting appropriate treatment as early as possible. Until recently it was thought that AS affected more men than women.

However recent research suggests men and women are affected relatively equally.

The symptoms usually appear between the ages of 15 and 45 years

While there’s currently no cure for AS, there are many things you can do to help control your symptoms and most people with AS can lead full and active lives.

The symptoms of AS vary from person to person.

The most common symptoms are: pain and stiffness in the back, buttocks or neck

The symptoms are often worse after rest and relieved by exercise. pain in tendons (which connect muscles to bones) and ligaments (which connect bones to each other), often felt as pain at the front of the chest, back of the heel or underneath the foot fatigue (extreme tiredness).

Symptoms may change from day to day and can become more intense

When this happens it is known as a flare. Flares can be very unpredictable and can come on with little warning. The cause of AS is unknown, but genes are thought to play a role.

You are more likely to get AS if you have a history of it in your family. Most people with AS have the gene called HLA-B27, however, this gene can also be found in people who don’t have AS. As the presence of this gene doesn’t automatically lead to the development of AS, other factors are thought to be involved.

Early diagnosis is important so that treatment can be started as soon as possible.

To be diagnosed with AS there needs to be evidence of changes to your sacroiliac joints, in addition to other clinical criteria. You may undergo a number of tests including: genetic testing.

These tests are generally organised by your doctor or rheumatologist (a doctor who specialises in conditions that affect muscles, bones and joints, or musculoskeletal conditions). They’ll explain what the tests are looking for and what the results mean. There is no cure for AS.

Treatment aims to manage your pain, reduce the risk of complications and improve your quality of life. Your rheumatologist will tailor your treatment to your specific symptoms and the severity of your condition. This can involve trialling different medications to find the medication that works best for you.

Medications for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis include:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – to help control inflammation
• provide temporary pain relief biologics or biosimilar medicines – biological disease-modifying drugs that work to control your immune system
• but in a much more targeted way

Although exercise is important for general wellbeing, it’s especially important in managing AS. Exercise can be used to relieve pain, but is also important for keeping your spine mobile and flexible.

Specific strengthening exercises help to maintain strength through the spine. Exercises performed in warm water (hydrotherapy) can also be beneficial. For your overall wellbeing, do general strengthening and aerobic exercises.

You may find it helpful to see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist to have an exercise program designed for your specific needs. Some physiotherapists have a special interest in treating AS. There are many things you can do to help yourself, including: learn more about your condition – knowing as much as possible about your AS means that you can make informed decisions about your healthcare and play an active role in managing it exercise and stay active as much as possible – talk with a physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist for specific advice about a daily exercise and stretching program get up and move – if you’ve been sitting or standing in one position for long periods at a time (for example at work or while travelling) stay involved in your usual home activities, as well as work, leisure and social activities – social connections are extremely important be aware of your posture – when sitting, standing and even lying down.

Your body should be in correct alignment but also loose and flexible acknowledge your emotions – it‘s natural to feel overwhelmed when you’re diagnosed with AS.

You may feel scared, frustrated, sad or angry

It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and get help if they start affecting your daily life.

Your doctor can provide you with information about support that’s available seek support from others – you might find it helpful to contact the Ankylosing Spondylitis Group of Michigan and speak to other people who have AS and know what you’re going through. B.A.M Helpline Tel. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis Causes of ankylosing spondylitis Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis medical history physical examination scans such as x-ray, CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) blood test Treating ankylosing spondylitis Medication analgesics (pain-relieving medications) – for temporary pain relief corticosteroids – to quickly control or reduce inflammation disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – to control your overactive immune system Exercise Self-management manage your stress – stress can aggravate your symptoms and make you feel worse eat a healthy, well balanced diet for overall good health manage your stress – it can aggravate your symptoms and make you feel worse Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Physiotherapist Musculoskeletal Health United States 1800 263 265 or email helpline@muscha.org Ankylosing Spondylitis Michigan .

Key Points

• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine
• symptoms usually appear between the ages of 15 and 45 years
• symptoms of AS vary from person to person
• most common symptoms are: pain and stiffness in the back, buttocks or neck
• symptoms are often worse after rest and relieved by exercise