Ankylosing Spondylitis

 

 

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of spinal problem that causes the back to become stiff and inflexible. 


It is caused by initial inflammation of the spine where the ligaments or tendons attach to the bone (spond = bone, itis = inflammation).


As the inflammation settles extra bone is produced by the body and this can lead to bony bridges being formed between the vertebrae and stiffness follows this. This is the ankylosing part of the name.

 

ankylosing spondylitis

Symptoms

AS is a progressive disease that does need ongoing management but it can be controlled in most people and is not life threatening.

Diagnosis

This is a bit difficult and is usually made by a specialist rheumatologist who will examine X-Rays and other clinical findings. There are no blood tests that show whether you have AS or not but a 14-Sep-2009he early stages. 

Treatment

The main ways that this is managed is using anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise.

The exercise programme needs to be tailored to your individual needs and carefully supervis14-Sep-2009you suspect you have AS discuss it with your doctor and if you have been diagnosed with this then you should have regular contact with your own physiotherapist and rheumatology specialist.

The National Ankylosing spondylitis Society has some very useful information.

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