Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that affects the spine, to be more specific it is an inflammation of the joints in the spine though it may involve inflammation too in the hips, in the heels, chest wall and sometimes the feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrist and shoulders. It can even involve inflammation of the eye. In rare cases this condition can also result to changes like thickening of the aorta as well as the aortic valve.
If this inflammation is left untreated for a time it can result to permanent damage and scarring. Although for some individual the condition may progress slowly thus symptoms may not be that severe but for some the diseases might be more progressive and aggressive.
Progression of such disease depends on several factors like your age, when the disease starts, if it is identify early or not, and the joints that are involved. Experts studying this disease hope that early diagnosis as well as early treatment or intervention with new medicines will lessen the inflammation, slow the progression of the disease and prevent scarring.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Early Ankylosing Spondylitis
This disease usually begins with a dull pain felt in the lower back as well as stiffness in the back. Some individuals who suffer from this condition experience sudden pain and stiffness that might stay for a few weeks before slowly going away again. The following is the usual symptoms of early or mild Ankylosing Spondylitis.
• The neck, hips, middle back or low back are the bones mostly affected which can become painful, limited in movement and stiff. The pain increases slowly over a period of weeks or even months and most of the time pain is not specific in one area so that the point of location is hard to point. Stiffness and pain is usually noticeable during early in the morning and it usually lasts for an hour. Physical activity can help in lessening the pain and stiffness.
• As the disease progresses, patient may feel very tired, this is because the body has been fighting off the inflammation brought about by Ankylosing Spondylitis.
• The iris of the eye can become inflamed. Inflammation of the iris is called Iritis. Iritis often happens in about twenty-five percent to thirty percent of individuals who have ankylosing spondylitis.
Advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis
If the inflammation continues over a long period of time it may result to permanent damage and scarring. The following is the usual symptoms of severe or advance ankylosing spondylosis.
• Joints of the spine can fuse together as a result of scarring in the spine. Back pain slowly goes away when the bone fused but the spine will now be very stiff and hard to bend. The fuse spine is prone to injury especially if it involves the neck.
• Changes in the spine can result to problems in mobility, safety and balance. As the spine changes and loses its natural curve, it can make you imbalance especially when walking or standing.
• Breathing can become a problem since chest walls stiffen. Severe ankylosing spondylitis can also result to scarring of the lungs which puts the lungs at increased risk of lung infection. This is more severe with smokers.
• Eye scarring can result to glaucoma.
• In rare instance, heart muscle may become scarred and heart valves become inflamed.
• Some individuals may experience irritable bowel syndrome or some bowel inflammation.
• Kidneys can also be affected because of ankylosing spondylitis or because of taking medicines for a long time.
• For individuals who have ankylosing spondylitis may develop cauda equina syndrome as a result of scarring of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord.
So if you think that you are exhibiting any of the symptoms above or a family member is then do not waste time and consult your doctor immediately. Early detection as well as early treatment can help a lot in managing this disease. There are many forms of treatment to manage the disease and keeps it from progressing. For one Etanercept is highly effective treatment for adults with active Ankylosing Spondylitis and it is well tolerated too (Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2003).