Ankylosing spondylitis Health Article

Definition

Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term disease that causes inflammation of the joints between the spinal bones, and the joints between the spine and pelvis. It eventually causes the affected spinal bones to join together.

See also: Arthritis

Alternative Names

Rheumatoid spondylitis; Spondylitis; Spondylarthropathy; Seronegative bundle arthropathy

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, but genes seem to play a role.

The disease most often begins between ages 20 and 40, but may begin before age 10. It affects more males than females. Risk factors include:

• Family history of ankylosing spondylitis
• Male gender

Symptoms

The disease starts with low back pain that comes and goes.

• Pain and stiffness are worse at night, in the morning, or when you are not active. It may wake you from your sleep.
• The pain typically gets better with activity or exercise.
• Back pain may begin in the sacroiliac joints (between the pelvis and the spine). Over time, it may involve all or part of the spine.

You may lose motion or mobility in the lower spine. You may not be able to fully expand your chest because the joints between the ribs are involved.

Fatigue is also a common symptom.

Other, less common symptoms include:

• Eye inflammation or uveitis
• Heel pain
• Hip pain and stiffness
• Joint pain and joint swelling in the shoulders, knees, and ankles
• Loss of appetite
• Slight fever
• Weight loss

Signs and tests

Tests may include:

• CBC
• ESR
• HLA-B27 antigen
• X-rays of the spine and pelvis

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain.

Corticosteroid therapy or medications to suppress the immune system may also be prescribed. Drugs called TNF-inhibitors (etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab), which block an inflammatory protein, have been shown to improve the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

Some health care professionals use drugs that block cell growth (cytotoxic drugs) in people who do not respond well to corticosteroids or who are dependent on high doses of corticosteroids.

Surgery may be done if pain or joint damage is severe.

Exercises can help improve posture and breathing. Lying flat on the back at night can help maintain normal posture.