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Friendly Print preview ARTHRITIS
FOUNDATION OF VICTORIA ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a relatively uncommon form of arthritis which affects the spine and may cause severe backache and stiffness. Ankylosing, in fact, means stiff or rigid, and spondylitis is spinal inflammation. It is this inflammation which causes the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with AS. AS can affect other joints, for example, knees and hips. Early diagnosis is important in every form of arthritis so that proper treatment can be undertaken to control the pain and stiffness and thus reduce or prevent the chances of deformity. What Causes It?There is as yet no absolute certainty, but there is a strong genetic link. Most people with AS carry the "genetic marker" HLA B27. But most people with this marker do not develop AS. Who is affected?It is most common among males between the ages of 16 and 33. In every 5000 people there may be four men and one woman with AS. It is much rarer among black skinned people than white. What Are The Symptoms?Common early symptoms of AS include hip and low back pain and stiffness which persists beyond three months. Stiffness is especially common in the morning. However, low back pain is very non-specific and there are many different causes, so AS cannot be reliably self-diagnosed. An early visit to a general practitioner is important in planning ways to control arthritis. It may occur on its own or may be associated with other disorders. These are the skin disease psoriasis, or Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are diseases in which the bowel becomes inflamed and reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome, which is an arthritis that can occur after bowel or genital infection. How Is It Diagnosed?In the early stages, it may be difficult to diagnose AS. The reason for this is that the disease comes on very gradually and the x-ray changes in the sacroiliac joint considered necessary to make an early diagnosis may take several years to develop. There are several important features, however, that are helpful. These include back pain, with marked stiffness in the morning, in contrast to back pain following injury. which is usually worse during the day and after activity. The way in which movement in the spine is restricted, the development of an acute iritis and a peripheral arthritis can all be helpful in confirming the diagnosis. What Can Be Done About It?Much can be done to control and reduce the effects of AS. If your doctor has told you that you definitely have AS, write, fax or phone the Foundation in your capital city and ask for a comprehensive booklet which explains the condition more fully and offer sound advice on what you can do to manage it. Like all type of arthritis, AS should not be neglected. It is not going to disappear and it, cannot be managed without understanding its nature. The right exercise, rest and medication are essential. The sooner it is diagnosed and a treatment regime started the better it will be managed. Useful Sites N.A.S.S HomePage (National Ankylosing
Spondylitis Society, UK) |
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