Ankylosing spondylitis is a disorder that affects the spine, hips, chest plate, and eyes of individuals with a unique gene called HLA-B27. Not everybody with the gene will develop the disorder, but it does increase the chances of spondylitis forming. Due to the relevance of the gene, findings of research point to genetics as the primary the cause of the disorder.
In order to learn everything you need to know about spondylitis, you must first understand its symptoms and how it is diagnosed. Read on below for interesting facts about the disorder, including how to know if you or somebody you know is at risk.
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
Symptoms of spondylitis start out mild, making it difficult to detect until more severe symptoms begin. As the disorder progresses, you will notice stiffness in the bones, particularly those in your back and neck. This is due to inflammation, which is the most prevalent symptom of ankylosing spondylitis. Over time some bones in the hips, chest, and spine will begin to fuse together, forcing the body into a permanent hunch. As the body struggles to heal itself, new bones will begin to form. These too will fuse to other bones in the body. Some cases of spondylitis have symptoms that don't match up with the concept of bone fusion in the spine at all. For example, one of the serious symptoms which appears in some patients is the inflammation and swelling of the eyes. This can make it difficult to see, and will require immediate medical treatment.
Once you notice the symptoms, an ophthalmologist, orthopedist, or rheumatologist may be consulted if your doctor is unable to diagnose the disorder on his or her own. These doctors specialize in eyes, bones, and arthritis, respectively, and will be more equipped to deal with the specifics of the symptoms, and pinpoint their cause and required treatment.
Who Is Affected?
You can read everything you need to know about spondylitis and still be surprised by some facts about the disorder. One such fact is the people who are most commonly affected by the disease. Unlike many inflammation and bone disorders, the elderly aren't the first target of spondylitis. Instead, young adults and teenaged males have the highest risk of developing this bone disorder.
Ankylosing spondylitis is not specific to one gender or age group and it can affect women and men of any age, but it is most commonly found in young males, and progresses throughout life.
Treatment of Spondylitis:
Unfortunately, as of now, there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Instead, there are treatments that can help you live with the disorder with minimal pain and discomfort. The first step toward treating most symptoms of the disorder is physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. The medicine will bring down swelling, reduce some of the pain, and make it easier to move freely. Physical therapy will loosen tension, and prevent bones from fusing, by keeping bones mobile and posture upright. Ergonomic equipment at school, in the office, and at home can go a long way to improve pain levels and reduce further hunching.
To learn everything you need to know about spondylitis speak to your physician about your potential risk and possible treatment options.