Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints between the vertebrae of the spine, for which there is no cure. Symptoms generally begin with minor back pain, but eventual fusion of the spinal bones can lead to immobilization. The physical deformities, nerve damage and inflammation of ankylosing spondylitis can lead to several complications.
Movement
The back pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis can be debilitating, causing many problems with daily function. As the condition progresses, spinal bone fusion can occur, resulting in stiffness, often referred to as “bamboo spine,” or immobility. This may make it more difficult for a person to move around, or even stand in place. Once the joints have fused, there is no treatment to restore mobility, according to Mayoclinic.com.
Breathing
The inflammation of ankylosing spondylitis is not confined to the spine and can spread to other areas of the body, according to Mayoclinic.com. If the inflammation spreads up the spine to the ribs, a person may experience breathing difficulties. If the inflammation is severe enough, the ribs may also fuse together causing lung immobility and a reduction in the amount of air a person can breathe in and out. Scarring or fibrosis may also occur on the lungs, which also results in labored breathing. If no previous lung condition exists, such as asthma or emphysema, labored breathing may be minor without any debilitating effects.
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation in the vascular layer of the eye called the uvea. Uveitis occurs in up to 40 percent of people with ankylosing spondylitis, according to Mayoclinic.com. An individual may begin to experience vision blurriness, sensitivity to light and rapid onset of pain in the eyes. Uveitis can eventually lead to irreversible vision loss, so it is important to seek medical condition as soon as uveitis is suspected.
Heart
In rare cases, inflammation of ankylosing spondylitis may reach the heart, most often affecting an area around the aortic valve at the base of the heart. After some time, this may result in blockage of the heart, valve leakage or both. If this occurs, surgery is sometimes required to repair the damage or clean up the obstructions, according to the Spondylitis Association of America.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
In advanced stages of ankylosing spondylitis, neurological complications may develop from narrowing of the spinal column and scarring of the nerve bundles at the base of the spine. This condition is called cauda equina syndrome and it is a surgical emergency. Symptoms include incontinence and loss of bowel movement, sexual dysfunction, loss of urinary retention, or weakness and pain in the legs, according to the Spondylitis Association of America. Permanent paralysis may also occur if not treated promptly.
