FAQs
Ankylosing spondylitis (say "ang-kill-LOH-sing spawn-duh-LY-tus") also called as Bechtrews disease is a long-term form of arthritis
The cause is unknown, but it may run in families. Most people with ankylosing spondylitis are born with a certain
This disease causes mild to severe pain in the low back and buttocks that is often worse in early morning-Morning Stiffness. Some people have more pain in other areas, such as the hips or heels. The pain usually gets better slowly as you move around and are active. Ankylosing spondylitis most often begins anywhere from the teenage years through the 30s. Duration of symptoms is usually more than 6 months.
It gets worse slowly over time as swelling of the ligaments, tendons, and joints of the spine cause the bones of the spine to
It gets worse slowly over time as swelling of the ligaments, tendons, and joints of the spine cause the bones of the spine to
The early signs of this disease-dull pain in the low back and buttocks-are common. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and if they have become worse over time. Your doctor will also ask if you have a family history of this joint disease or others like it.
Your doctor may do several tests if he or she thinks that you have ankylosing spondylitis. You may have an X-ray, a test for the HLA-B27 gene, or an
Your doctor may do several tests if he or she thinks that you have ankylosing spondylitis. You may have an X-ray, a test for the HLA-B27 gene, or an
Treatment includes exercise and physical therapy. These will help reduce stiffness so that you can stand up straighter and move around better. Your doctor will also give you medicine for pain and swelling.
Because people with ankylosing spondylitis may be at a higher risk for spinal cord injury, it's important that you wear a seat belt every time you drive.
You will need to get regular eye exams to check for inflammation in your eye, called iritis. You may use a device such as a cane to help you walk and to help reduce stress on your joints.
Surgery for the spine is needed in the form of Deformity Correction only if the amount of deformity warrants so. You may want to think about hip or knee replacements if you have severe arthritis in those joints.
There is no cure for this disease. But early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve pain and stiffness and allow you to keep doing your daily activities for as long as possible.
Because people with ankylosing spondylitis may be at a higher risk for spinal cord injury, it's important that you wear a seat belt every time you drive.
You will need to get regular eye exams to check for inflammation in your eye, called iritis. You may use a device such as a cane to help you walk and to help reduce stress on your joints.
Surgery for the spine is needed in the form of Deformity Correction only if the amount of deformity warrants so. You may want to think about hip or knee replacements if you have severe arthritis in those joints.
There is no cure for this disease. But early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve pain and stiffness and allow you to keep doing your daily activities for as long as possible.
