Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Treatment

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What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) and can lead to severe chronic pain. In advanced cases, the inflammation can cause new bone formation in the spine, resulting in fusion of the vertebrae in a fixed, immobile position. AS can also cause pain and stiffness in the shoulders, ribs, hips, heels and small joints of the hands and feet. There is no cure, but medications and other treatments can help manage pain and stiffness, and stop progression of the condition. AS most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 17 and 45, but it can also occur in children.

Yrs

AS most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 17 and 45.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The most common symptoms are frequent pain and stiffness in the buttocks and lower back. There may also be fatigue as the body deals with the inflammation, or mild to moderate anemia.

Frequent pain and stiffness

This often described as a dull ache or soreness, are hallmark symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. This discomfort primarily manifests in the lumbar spine, affecting the lower back and buttocks region.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by individuals with ankylosing spondylitis, often resulting from the body’s efforts to cope with inflammation.

Anemia

Anemia, often mild to moderate, is frequently observed in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis affecting the body’s ability to produce red blood cells adequately. This can exacerbate fatigue and contribute to overall discomfort experienced by individuals with the condition.

Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis

A rheumatologist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating AS and plays a pivotal role in identifying this condition . Diagnosis will most often require a thorough physical exam, an individual medical history intake, labs and determination of a family history of AS. Imaging studies such as X-rays or an MRI may also be ordered to show any signs of AS such as erosion of the sacroiliac joints and axial involvement of the lumbar spine.

Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis

A variety of treatments and interventions may be prescribed for treating AS and will depend on the severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and stiffness, reduce inflammation, and delay spinal deformity. Your rheumatologist may recommend exercise, physical therapy, good posture practices, and other measures such as using heat/cold to relax muscles and reduce joint pain. In terms of medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologics are the drugs rheumatologists most commonly prescribed to treat ankylosing spondylitis. These treatments aim to suppress inflammation, slow disease progression, and improve overall quality of life.

Clinical Trials

Rheumatologists at Saint John’s Physician Partners have played a pivotal role in advancing treatments for inflammatory arthritis conditions through their active involvement in clinical trials. Over decades, they have been integral in the development and evaluation of medications aimed at managing various rheumatologic diseases, including, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (SpA), osteoarthritis, and other bone and skin conditions like osteoporosis and psoriasis advanced therapies, some of which are biologic treatments.

Their participation in clinical trials has led to the approval of medications by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of these debilitating conditions. These medications, including biologic therapies, represent significant advancements in rheumatology, offering new treatment options for patients facing challenging diseases.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Specialists

Orrin Troum, M.D. and Amro Elbalkhi, M.D. provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for rheumatic diseases including inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), scleroderma, myositis, gout, lupus, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. The Medical Doctors of Saint John’s strive to provide world class care and a personalized treatment plan for all patients and their families.

Ankylosing Spondylitis