Ankylosing Spondylitis

Symptoms and course of ankylosing spondylitis

One of the first and main symptoms of the disease is spinal pain, which most often starts in the lumbar, sacroiliac and possibly cervical regions. The painful symptoms typical of ankylosing spondylitis usually occur during or after rest or sleep at night and decrease or disappear with movement. Sometimes the patient may wake up from the pain in the lower back at night, typically getting up and moving around to relieve the pain.

Ankylosing spondylitis may therefore be indicated by pain in the lower back that occurs or increases when the patient is at rest. This typical spinal pain is caused by inflammation of the segments around the vertebrae. The inflammation is triggered by abnormal immune function, which causes the surrounding joints, ligaments and cartilage to calcify, ossify and eventually become completely stiff. In the long term, inflammation and ossification can affect the entire spinal column and even the surrounding large joints and ribs. As the disease progresses, mobility is significantly reduced and respiratory function is impaired. Over time, inflammation and calcification may also affect the hip and shoulder joints, sometimes requiring the implantation of a prosthesis.

It’s important to know that in ankylosing spondylitis, the painful, inflammatory symptoms are not always constant: the inflammation may flare up and then become latent. If the pain in the spine recurs, it is always worth consulting a rheumatologist or specialist in orthopedics.

Possible complications of ankylosing spondylitis

With ankylosing spondylitis, inflammation is a virtually constant presence in the body, which can cause complications in other parts of the body besides the spinal column and surrounding joints and bones . Typical eye inflammation often occurs , with redness, swelling, sensitivity to light and pain. Hip, knee and ankle joint inflammation, heel pain and osteoporosis may also occur with ankylosing spondylitis, and cardiovascular complaints and breathing difficulties may also develop due to the rib involvement mentioned above . Ankylosing spondylitis can be associated with skin problems such as psoriasis, but also with chronic conditions of the digestive system characterized by inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease.

Diagnostics for ankylosing spondylitis

Low back pain is a complaint affecting 80% of people, but ankylosing spondylitis affects only 0.2-0.4% of the population. The diagnostics of the disease are therefore of paramount importance and require a high degree of precision. The first step is a specialist examination: rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist, based on a thorough questioning and physical examination, starts the further diagnostics. The first sign of ankylosing spondylitis in the early stages is the characteristic pain at night or at rest, which is relieved by movement. Family history and hereditary predisposition are also reasons for further investigation. Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis requires blood tests (to detect inflammation), diagnostics (X-ray or MRI) and gene testing. The presence of the predisposing gene is observed in 60-70% of SpA patients, so gene testing alone is not sufficient for diagnosis. The results of the diagnostics are assessed by a rheumatologist or specialist in orthopedics and a personalised treatment plan is drawn up.

The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis can be shocking and frightening for patients. However, it is important to realise that it is not a death sentence: with proper treatment, care and lifestyle, a full life can be lived for many years.

Treatment options for Bekhterev’s disease

Ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed by a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist and a targeted treatment plan is set up. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease at the current state of medical knowledge, but it is possible to relieve pain, slow down the process of inflammation and improve quality of life. This requires the use of biological immunotherapy, special daily physiotherapy (including breathing exercises!), a healthy lifestyle, swimming or other beneficial sports activities. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used occasionally, but this is rarely necessary in addition to the above therapeutic methods. The conscientious and lifelong use of complex therapy can also prevent the development of the movement restrictions and other complications associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Thanks to biological treatment, the quality of life of patients with advanced disease can nowadays also be significantly improved (effective pain relief) and the process of inflammation-induced ossification can be slowed down considerably in the early stages.

Most Common Complaints Treated by Spine Medicine Center Specialists

• lower back pain
• lower back pain
• scoliosis
• nerve compression
• back pain
• neck pain
• stiff neck – neck stiffness
• osteoporosis
• spinal pain
• spinal stenosis
• back pain
• lumbar spine pain
• gluteal muscle pain
• poor posture
• sacrum pain
• shoulder blade pain
• morning lower back pain
• neck pain