It mostly affects the spine, the lower back, and sacroiliac joints. The disease involves the increase in bone formation and erosion off the bone that leads to fusion. The chronic inflammation causes stiffness and pain in and around the spine, including the middle back, lower back, buttocks, and neck. As the disease advances, it leads to spinal deformity.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is A Type of Arthritis
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary. The characteristic feature is mild to moderate flare-ups of inflammation that alternates with a period of no symptoms. There is a pain in the back in the morning as well as night. The patient experiences pain the large joints such as shoulders and hips.
Ankylosing Spondylitis also includes the inflammation of other body parts. This is why the patient may also experience:
Ankylosing spondylitis has no specific cause. The genetic factor seems to be involved. People having a gene called HLA-B27 are at the greatest risk of developing it. However, not all people with this gene develop this condition.
Risk Factors for Ankylosing Spondylitis
As ankylosing spondylitis advances, the body in an attempt to heal itself forms new bones. The new bones bridge the gap between the vertebrae and eventually fuses. The spine becomes less flexible and stiff. The fusion also stiffens the rib cage and affects the function and capacity of the lungs.
Uveitis or eye inflammation – The inflammation of eye or uveitis is the most common complication of ankylosing spondylitis. It causes rapid onset of eye pain. Eyes become sensitive to light, and vision is blurred.
Ankylosing spondylitis leads to inflammation of the aorta. Inflamed aorta enlarges to the point that it distorts the shape of the aortic valve and impairs its function. The blood leaks back to the heart. The heart is unable to pump well. As a result, the patient is short of breath and tired.
During the early stages of the disease, the bones in some people is thin. Weak vertebra crumbles and leads to a stooped posture. Vertebral fractures puts pressure on the spinal cord and possibly injures it and the nerves that pass through the spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis starts with the inflammation due to the activation of the body’s immune system that precedes bacterial infection or a combination of microbial infections. The immune system is activated but is unable to turn off even after the initial bacterial infection subsides. The chronic inflammation that continues because of the activated body immune system in the absence of active infection starts attacking the body’s tissues. This is the hallmark of autoimmune diseases. As a response to inflammation, the body starts producing extra calcium around the bones of the spine for healing. This extra bone grows and results in pain and stiffness in the back and neck. As the disease advances, the bones in the spine fuse together because of extra calcium and, in severe cases, the spine curves.
In case you are suffering from ankylosis spondylitis meet your health care provider and physiotherapist for proper management.