Ankylosing Spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and pain in the spine. It creates swelling between discs of vertebra and joints of the pelvis. The disease results from the body's immune system attacking itself, causing inflammation, and is more common in men. The disease is also hereditary and commonly affects an entire family, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The condition usually gets worse over time, and there is no known cure.
Risk Factors
According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease seems to affect males more than females, with symptoms beginning between late adolescence and age 40. It was also discovered that most people with the disease had a specific gene called HLA-B27. Having the gene does not guarantee that you will get the disease, but it is believed that the gene increases susceptibility to the condition.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, early symptoms include chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back or hips. This may occur in the morning or after physical activity. As the disease progresses, inflammation spreads to joints between ribs, the spine, hips, feet, shoulders and knees. Tendon and ligament attachments, as well as the eyes, may also become inflamed. Advanced stage-symptoms include fatigue, loss of weight and appetite, stiff spine, less expansion of the chest, stooping, and bowel and eye inflammation.
Diagnosis
Medical history is an important factor in determining the condition, especially family history. X-rays are used to check the condition of the joints, but the scope is limited. According to the NIH, other imaging techniques such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computerized Tomography) are able, unlike X-rays, to detect subtle inflammation changes in joints. Blood tests are also used to check for inflammation. Tests include ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), which tests the speed of blood cell sediment, an indication of inflammation. The CRP (C-reactive protein) test is used to detect a protein made by the liver during an inflammation response. A CBC (Complete Blood Count) test may be used to check for anemia, which is a complication of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Doctors may also test for the presence of HLA-B27 genes to gauge susceptibility.
Treatment
Drugs may be used to treat the condition, including Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and Indomethicin (Indocin), which are used for pain and inflammation. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) such as Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) are used to limit damage to the joints and treat inflamed joints. Corticosteroids such as Prednisone slow joint damage and prevent inflammation. Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blockers such as Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel) and Infliximab (Remcade) reduce inflammation by blocking a protein that brings on inflammation. Physical therapy is also used to increase motion and flexibility in joints and reduce pain. Surgery may be necessary if joint damage occurs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Coping
The condition, although not curable, produces symptoms that either get better or worse as time goes by. It is possible for individuals to lead productive lives, and it may be helpful to join a support group with others who have the same condition.
