30-Second Blog “Snapshot:”
- Also called Bechterew’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that causes painful swelling in between vertebrae in the spine.
- In some cases, ankylosing spondylitis can cause vertebrae in the spine to fuse together, making the spine less flexible and hunched.
- The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for ankylosing spondylitis.
Cases of ankylosing spondylitis that involve the fusion of vertebrae in the spine may make the spine less flexible and affect a person’s ability to breathe comfortably. Additionally, this condition may cause the natural curves of the spine to flatten, forcing it to hunch forward. Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men than women and typically develops in early adulthood. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are pain management treatments that can lessen a patient’s discomfort.
Causes
Unfortunately, there is no known cause of ankylosing spondylitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are genes that may indicate an increased risk of the condition. Patients with a gene called HLB-B27 are particularly susceptible to ankylosing spondylitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis typically include pain in the lower back and hips, as well as the breastbone, ribs, shoulder joints, and pelvis. Other symptoms may include increased stiffness or pain in the mornings and after strenuous activities. It’s important to mention the pain that accompanies ankylosing spondylitis usually worsens with age, but may come and go at irregular intervals.
Treatment
The goal of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is to relieve stress and pain on the joints. Treatment may also delay some of the complications that accompany this condition. The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center may recommend a combination of conservative therapies, interventional pain treatments, and physical exercises to reduce pain and increase range of motion. Epidural injections and other minimally invasive procedures may help reduce pain from ankylosing spondylitis. If your spine has endured extensive damage as a result of this condition, your pain management physician may recommend a joint replacement surgery.
For more information about treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, call Southwest Spine and Pain Center today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians!
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With multiple locations across the state of Utah, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.