Ankylosing spondylitis, also called spondylitis and rheumatoid spondylitis, is a disease that causes inflammation in the joints of your spine and the joints between the spine and the pelvis. Occasionally, ankylosing spondylitis can also cause pain and inflammation in other areas as well. It is a chronic condition, meaning that it can occur over long periods of time. And left untreated, ankylosing spondylitis can cause deformities of the spine. The body will form new bone in areas affected by ankylosing spondylitis in an effort to heal. Your spine will begin to form bony outgrowths called syndesmophytes. Over time, it will become inflexible.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, ankylosing spondylitis has no known cause. There may be a genetic link, however. People born with a gene called HLA-B27 are significantly more likely to get the disease.
Risk Factors
There are certain predispositions that raise your risk of getting ankylosing spondylitis. Gender, age and heredity all play a part in increasing risk. Males get the disease more than females. The disease normally strikes between the adolescent years and the age of 40. And, the gene HLA-B27 increases your chances as well, even though not all those with ankylosing spondylitis have the HLA-B27 gene and not all with the HLA-B27 gene have ankylosing spondylitis.
Treatments
There are three distinct ways to treat ankylosing spondylitis. The doctor may prescribe medication. Common over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are the most common, but corticosteroids and tumor necrosis factor blockers may also be used. Physical therapy is a second way that ankylosing spondylitis is kept in check. Working on range of motion and flexibility can also be beneficial in dealing with pain. Occasionally, surgery is recommended to repair a damaged joint or to reduce pain.
