Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine.

If you have recently been diagnosed with an Kylosing Spondylitis, you will have a lot of questions for your doctor. Possible treatments and other basics about your condition are included in these questions.

“The answers to some of the most common ankylosing spondylitis questions are here. You can use this discussion guide to start a conversation at your next doctor’s appointment.”

Ankylosing spondylitis is both an autoimmune type of arthritis and a chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease. An autoimmune disease develops when your body attacks its own healthy tissues.

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that can cause swollen joints. It can affect the spine and lower back. Over time, the spine bones can be fused together.

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes It is a pain. and swelling.

This condition affects the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and joints in the lower back. It also causes swelling where the tendons and ligaments attach to bones in your spine. Your doctor might call this enthesitis.

Symptoms from ankylosing spondylitis can lead to other joints, such as your shoulders and hips.

More than 90 percent of people with ankylosing spondylitis carry the HLA-B27 gene. The prevalence of this gene varies in different ethnic populations.

According to the Spondylitis Association of America, in the United States, HLA-B27 is found in:

  • 7.6 percent of the general white population
  • The Hispanic population is 4.5 percent.
  • The Black population is 1 percent.

A 2017 study of 925 people with ankylosing spondylitis found that Black people had more severe cases of the disease than white or Hispanic people.

It is possible to have the HLA-B27 gene but not have ankylosing spondylitis.

Your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms and family history. Symptoms in your spine can be revealed by an exam.

  • It is a pain.
  • It was tender.
  • It is stiff.

The doctor may send you for an X-ray or MRI scan. Both tests can show damage to bones and soft tissues in your spine. An MRI creates more detailed images, and it can show damage earlier in the disease than an X-ray.

Another way to diagnose this condition is with a blood test for the HLA-B27 gene.

Your primary doctor might first suspect ankylosing spondylitis or may actually diagnose you. After this, they may refer you to a rheumatologist. This type of doctor specializes in diseases of the joints, bones, and muscles.

A rheumatologist might be your go-to doctor for treatment. You may also need to see a physical therapist, or an ophthalmologist if you have symptoms such as uveitis, swelling of the eye’s middle layer.

Ankylosing spondylitis treatment may involve:

  • There are medications.
  • The exercises are done.
  • lifestyle changes

Most people with ankylosing spondylitis don’t need surgery unless their joints are very damaged.

A doctor may recommend a few treatments.

Diet hasn’t been well-studied for ankylosing spondylitis. Studies haven’t confirmed whether cutting out dairy or eating extra fish might help with symptoms. The best advice is to eat a varied diet with lots of:

  • There are fruits.
  • vegetables
  • whole grains

Smoking drives inflammation. It can cause more damage to the joints from an Kylosing Spongylitis.

People with severe joint damage can have surgery. A joint replacement is a procedure in which a damaged joint is removed and replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic one.

Patients with severe impairments may be able to perform daily activities with the help of a spine surgery. Several procedures might be used based on the symptoms and findings.

  • Osteotomy. This involves cutting bone to straighten your spine and correct your posture.
  • Laminectomy. This surgery relieves pressure on nerve roots by removing the lamina, part of the bone that forms the spine’s vertebral arch.

Physical therapy teaches you The exercises are done., such as posture The exercises are done., to improve your flexibility and range of motion, and decrease It is a pain..

A review of studies found that, for people with ankylosing spondylitis, moderate exercise helped relieve their symptoms and improved their ability to perform daily activities.

Most people with ankylosing spondylitis have no problems.

There may be some problems for some people.

  • The spine has a fusion of bones.
  • weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) and fractures
  • Uveitis is inflammation of the eye.
  • cardiovascular disease such as aortitis, inflammation of the aorta
  • cauda equina syndrome, a very rare condition that compresses the nerves at the bottom of the spine
  • amyloidosis, another very rare condition in which the protein amyloid, found in your bone marrow, builds up in your heart, kidneys, or other organs

“If your ankylosing spondylitis gets worse, it can mean that your treatment isn’t working as well as it should.”

For example, your spine might feel stiffer or more It is a pain.ful than usual. Or, you might begin to experience symptoms in other joints. Excess tiredness is another sign of increased inflammation.

If you experience any new symptoms, call your doctor. They might suggest a change in your treatment plan to help you with your condition.

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. There are no cures for most forms of arthritis.

However, a combination of There are medications., physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can improve your symptoms and slow the rate of joint damage. A doctor will tell you your next steps based on your symptoms.

A diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to learn as much about your condition as you can.

Make sure to ask your doctor any questions you have at your next appointment. This can help you get the treatment you need to keep your condition from getting worse.