Diagnosis And Treatment Of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the semi-joints. These joints tend to coalesce, leading to impaired mobility. As a result, they become less flexible. For this reason, people with this condition are often in the forefront.

It is not known exactly what causes ankylosing spondylitis, but DNA plays a significant role in its occurrence. Most people with ankylosing spondylitis have the HLA-B27 gene. However, only some people with this gene get that disease.

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

This rheumatic disease causes inflammation of the semi-joints. Other joints can also become inflamed, such as the joints of the shoulders, hips, knees, or ankles.

The first symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are pain and stiffness in the lower back. However, these symptoms occur mainly in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue are also common symptoms.

Some of the most commonly damaged areas are the mid-joints between the spine and the pelvis and the lumbar joints. However, it can also affect areas where tendons and ligaments connect to bone, especially those in the spine.

In ankylosing spondylitis, new bone is formed as part of the body’s attempt to heal. This new bone reduces the space between the vertebrae. As a result, the parts of both vertebrae merge. These parts of the spine then become rigid and inflexible. Unification can also take over the rib as well as reduce lung capacity and function.

Complications of ankylosing spondylitis

Here are some complications of ankylosing spondylitis:

• Inflammation of the eye (uveitis): This is one of the most common complications of ankylosing spondylitis. It causes rapid onset of eye pain, photosensitivity, and blurred vision.
• Damage to the heart valves: This disease can cause problems in the aorta. An inflamed aorta can affect the shape of the aortic valve in the heart, which in turn alters the function of the valve.

Diagnosis

Ankylosing spondylitis can be identified by several different symptoms. They are:

• Clinical symptoms such as lower back pain lasting more than 3 months. It may heal with exercise, but does not go away with rest. Restrictions on thoracic enlargement and spinal mobility should also be considered.
• Radiological evidence of sacral arthritis.

Depending on the patient’s criteria, the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis will be either defined (using clinical criteria and a radiologist) or probable (in cases where the patient meets three clinical criteria and one radiological).

Blood and urine tests can help support a diagnosis of the presence of HLA-B27 antigen in the blood. They can also determine the intensity of the inflammatory process that may be bothering the patient.

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

The treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is a combination of different medication options and rehabilitation.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics. These are drug therapies that aim to control pain and reduce or eliminate arthritis. It improves the patient’s quality of life. Relieving discomfort also helps the patient get a better night’s sleep.
• Disease-modifying drugs. These work on the immune system itself.
• Biological medicines. Although these drugs do not cure diseases, they still control the symptoms of this disease in many people.
• Rehabilitation.  The patient must perform rehabilitation exercises continuously in conjunction with medication. Exercise and breathing exercises improve spinal mobility and muscle strength.
• The patient should also do easy back-strengthening exercises such as swimming.

• Cutting.  Surgery is rarely used, only when the joints are badly damaged and mobility is almost lost.

When different treatments are combined, stiffening can be avoided. They can also help prevent other musculoskeletal problems.

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