Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

Ankylosing Spondylitis is chronic inflammation which mostly affects men at the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is also commonly found in boys, although most cases happen to those in their 20s or 30s. The areas along the back bones are the most common places to suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis. The inflammation will cause pain, stiffness, and later loss of mobility. However, as Ankylosing Spondylitis is a systemic disease, the symptoms can also spread to other parts of the body. Some cases report inflammation or injuries at other joints and organs, as well as other arthritis conditions. Organs such as eyes, kidneys, heart, and lungs may be affected. While other arthritis conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and other arthritis associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may also accompany it. All have similarities in terms of the inflammation of spine.

Since the effect of Ankylosing Spondylitis can be harmful if left untreated, it is important that we recognize the symptoms earlier. The common symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis are inflammation of spine, joint, or even other organs along with fatigue, stiffness, and pain. Patients may experience stiffness in lower parts of back, upper part of buttock area, other parts of spine, and even neck. If not treated appropriately, the pain and inflammation will worsen and attack more intensely. The pain of Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms attacks worst during the morning and periods of inactivity. Regular exercise and movement can help a lot in preventing Ankylosing Spondylitis. You can also try to move when the symptoms occur because any movement will help to relieve the pain. Otherwise, use heat or take bath with warm water to get rid of the pain.

In severe cases, Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms can develop bony fusion of the spine. The pain can be removed by fusing the part of body, but patients will lose the spine mobility as a result. Fusing is also prone to damage or breakage if the part of body later faces trauma. If you know or suspect any symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis, consult your doctor immediately for further check up. It is highly vital to avail treatment soon during the earlier stages of Ankylosing Spondylitis attack. In long term, the effect on bone breakage or fractures can be fatal. Patients in further stages of Ankylosing Spondylitis usually need surgery, therapy, or protection to prevent further attack. Of course they can recover, but in most cases only after months of pain and inability to move.