Ankylosing spondylitis.

There are certain conditions which we can say we can help you with – read here.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is generalized chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine, which causes pain and stiffness.

The condition can progress to bony ankylosis – fusion of certain joints.

The main areas affected are the spine and sacroiliac joints, but the condition may affect the hips and shoulders, and extremities.

Males more affected that females, and the condition affects, approximately 0.2% of people (1/500), especially the ages 16-25, making this an important thoracic and low back pain condition to consider in the adolescent age group.

Symptoms:

• Low back pain, thoracic pain.
• Stiffness
• Symptoms may progressively increase
• Symptoms may progress upwards the spine.
• Range or motion may be affected such as bending forward to touch the toes.
• Loss of spinal extension often occurs first
• Pain usually worse mornings or after inactivity.
• General fatigue, may be present.
• Postural issues such as loss of lumbar curve, increased kyphosis and forward neck
• Shoulders, hips, and knees may also be affected

If suspected, further testing is required.

Once diagnosed, principles of treatment include maintaining good posture, preserving movement, and  managing pain and stiffness.

References:

Available on request.