Ankylosing Spondylitis usually begins with lower back pain and stiffness. This pain and stiffness, which is more noticeable in the morning, can be a telltale sign of the disease. Over time, the spine becomes increasingly affected and the person may have difficulty standing upright, walking, or even breathing. This condition can significantly affect a person’s daily life and reduce functionality. Ankylosing Spondylitis can also affect other organs. It can cause inflammation and problems in the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Therefore, it is important to remember that the disease is not limited to joint problems only.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that affects the spine and other joints. It is also known colloquially as “spine rheumatism” or “Bechterew disease”. Genetic factors play an important role in the development of AS. In AS, the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the spine and other joints, causing inflammation.
What are the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis usually begins with certain symptoms, and symptoms may worsen over time. Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis may include:
- The most common symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis is lower back pain.
- The pain, which is especially evident in the mornings, is usually felt in the lower back.
- As soon as you wake up in the morning, you may experience a feeling of stiffness and limited movement in your body. This condition is a characteristic feature of the disease.
- Stiffness and limitation of movement in the back may develop due to inflammation in the joints in the spine and pelvic area.
- As Ankylosing Spondylitis progresses, the spine may lose its flexibility and over time, the person may develop spinal curvature (kyphosis).
- The disease can affect the sacroiliac joints in the pelvic area, causing pain around the hips and pelvis.
- Due to chronic pain and limited mobility, patients often experience insomnia and fatigue.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis can affect not only the joints in the spine and pelvic area, but also other large joints, especially the knees, shoulders, and ankles.
- Many Ankylosing Spondylitis patients may experience eye-related problems such as inflammation of the eyes (uveitis).
How is Ankylosing Spondylitis treated?
Although there is no definitive cure for AS, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, patients can lead active and productive lives. Early diagnosis and treatment play an important role in improving the long-term consequences of the disease. The basic methods that can be used for the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis are as follows:
- Medication may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- In more severe cases that do not respond to pain and anti-inflammatory medications, biological medications may be used.
- Cortisone treatment can be applied for a short time.
- It is important to exercise regularly. Exercises such as yoga, swimming and pilates are recommended for AS patients.
- Manual therapy performed by physiotherapists increases the mobility of joints and the strength of muscles.
- Electrotherapy methods such as TENS and ultrasound are used to reduce pain and relax muscle spasms.
- In rare cases, surgery may be required to correct deformities in the spine or repair damaged joints.
- Eating healthy, quitting smoking and getting enough sleep are important for treatment.
Where does Ankylosing Spondylitis cause pain?
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a disease that usually causes pain in the joints in the spine and pelvic area. Pain and discomfort may be felt, especially in the following areas:
- Waist
- Back
- Hip
- pelvis
- Spine and pelvic joints, especially knees, shoulders, ankles and ribcage joints
- In some cases, there may be pain in the eyes.
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis be cured?
Although there is no definitive treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), it is possible to control the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease with Ankylosing Spondylitis treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment play an important role in improving the long-term consequences of the disease.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.