Facebook Pixel

About Ankylosing Spondylitis

 
Rate This

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of progressive spinal arthritis. The spine contains 24 vertebrae and 110 joints and if you have AS, the joints can fuse together, causing pain and immobility. Sometimes the bones of the pelvis will also be affected. Sometimes the bowels, lungs, eyes or heart may be affected.
Sometimes sufferers have reported that bowel symptoms appeared to precede their AS.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Back pain and stiffness that has occurred over a period of months
• Worse pain in the morning, after you have been sleeping
• Exhaustion
• Fevers
• Night sweats

Heart Symptoms of AS

Getting heart problems as a result of AS is rare, and even if you do, most cases are so mild they cannot be detected. Very rarely, it may cause the aortic valve to leak.

Eye Symptoms of AS

Eye symptoms as a complication of AS is quite common, with 40 percent of sufferers having intermittent eye involvement. There can be inflammation of the iris and the uvea, called uveitis. This causes blurred vision, pain in the eye and bloodshot eyes. If this happens to you it can permanently damage your sight so you should go straight to ER instead of making a doctor’s appointment. There are specialist eye doctors in the ER who will be able to give you eye drops and tell you how to treat the uveitis. Prompt treatment is vitally important to safeguard your vision.

Lung Symptoms of AS

Ankylosing spondylitis can also affect the rib joints so that these cannot move as easily. This will mean that your lungs will not be able to expand properly and you may find breathing difficult or painful. If the rib joints become fixed, the lungs may be scarred.
To ease these symptoms, don’t smoke or quit smoking if you already do. Eat small meals regularly, rather than large meals and wear loose clothing.

Treatments for AS

Treatments are:
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers.
• Acetaminophen (as some people will AS also have bowel symptoms that contraindicate the use of anti-inflammatories, they can take plain acetaminophen).
• Physical therapy – a physical therapist can tailor special exercises for you that are specifically aimed at AS. Movement reduces pain and increases mobility, but it’s important to talk to your physical therapist before you attempt your own exercise regime as some exercise could cause damage and they will know what types of exercise are safe.

Contact your local support group or organization for AS sufferers, as some of them sell exercise DVDs for people with AS and you can also make friends with other people going through the same thing.

See these websites for further information:
http://www.spondylitis.org
http://www.nass.co.uk

Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/. She is author of the book, 'Breast Milk: A Natural Immunisation,' and co-author of an educational resource on disabled parenting, in addition to running a charity for people damaged by vaccines or medical mistakes.

Add a Comment2 Comments

I am totally new here, age 51, have always had lots of pain diagnosed mental hypocondriac, anyway now ankylosing spondylitis, was experiencing loads of pain in lower back, saw Dr, Specialist he diagnosed AS, dr said nsaids were my lot. I felt I need massage, manipulation, physio I saw would not do anything, so I got a TENs machine Electrical nerve stimulation pads where the pain is - fantastic. nothing to lose loads to gain, I got mine off TV Dr Hos. Waiting to see a Rheumatologist.

April 13, 2012 - 5:38pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

There are many other treatment plans NOT listed. NSAIDs are the first line, and frequently other DMARDs like Azulfadine or methotrexate are added. The latest treatments that are very effective in rapidly reducing fatigue, stiffness and pain are the biologicals like Humira, Enbrel and Remicade.

The lastest research indicates early, aggressive treatment can limit the damage of this disease.

May 10, 2010 - 8:43pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Get Email Updates

Ankylosing Spondylitis Guide

Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!