Bones/Joints And Sports Injuries

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. Spondylitis is an inflammation of the vertebrae, which are the building blocks of the spine. Spondylos is the Greek word for vertebra Ankylosing, from another Greek word, agkylosis, means causing stiffness and immobility of a joint Inflammation is the body’s response to a variety of causes of […]

The specific cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, but genetic factors seem to play a role. About 95% of people who have ankylosing spondylitis also have a genetic marker known as human leukocyte antigen-B27 (HLA-B27). About eight people in 100 among American Caucasians are born with the HLA-B27 gene. The gene is much less common

Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis usually begin in early adulthood. They begin gradually and include: Gradual onset of back pain before the age of 35 The pain usually begins low and slowly progresses up the spine Early morning stiffness and pain that subsides with movement and heat Pain relieved by movement and not by rest

Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are very like those of many other conditions that cause pain in the lower back. In teenagers, it is often mistaken for a sports injury. It may be years before a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is considered. The first step in the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is to take a

Ankylosing spondylitis cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with: Medication Physical therapy Exercise In addition to your rheumatologist, you may need to see other specialists if you develop related problems: Inflammation of the eyes should be treated by an ophthalmologist Inflammation of the heart should be treated by a cardiologist Need To

Ankylosing spondylitis affects different people in different ways. The pain and stiffness will come and go. It will sometimes disappear completely for a while. In the most severe cases, the entire spine can become stiff and bent, so that the person cannot look at the horizon. This condition is called kyphosis. People with mild disease will

Q: Is spondylitis the same as spondylosis? A: No. Spondylosis is a condition usually caused by degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae. It may be caused by aging or injury and not by an inflammatory disease as in ankylosing spondylitis. Q: Is rheumatism the same thing as arthritis? A: No. Rheumatism is a nontechnical term for pain in and

Ankylosing spondylitis is type of rheumatism that causes arthritis, predominantly of the spine and pelvis. It can cause inflammation of the eyes, heart valves, and lungs. The major symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are pain and stiffness. Ankylosing spondylitis cannot be cured, but it can be managed with medication, physical therapy, and exercise. Most people don’t develop disabilities and

Ankylosis: Fixation of a joint, often in an abnormal position, such as occurs in rheumatoid arthritis (from the Greek word agkylosis meaning bent condition) Arthritis: Inflammation of joint (from the Greek word arthron meaning joint and itis, a suffix meaning inflammation of an organ or structure) Enthesitis: Inflammation where tendons insert into bone Ilium: The large, wing-like bones of the pelvis Kyphosis: An exaggerated, forward

Spondylitis Association of America (SAA)  Phone: (818) 981-9826 Phone: (800) 777-8189 Fax: (818) 981-9826 Email: info@spondylitis.org  http://www.spondylitis.org American College of Rheumatology  Phone: (404) 633-3777 Fax: (404) 633-1870 Email: acr@rheumatology.org  http://www.rheumatology.org/ Arthritis Foundation  Phone: (404) 872-7100 Phone: (800) 283-7800 http://www.arthritis.org National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse National Institutes of Health  Phone: (301) 495-4484 Phone: