Ankylosing Spondylitis


Ankylosing Spondylitis is a progressive disorder of spine. It is a debilitating condition of the spine in which there is increased fusion of the inter-vertebral spine. The causative factor causing the ankylosing spondylitis is still unknown. In certain cases a genetic predisposition for the following disorder is seen but still researches are on to understand the process as well as the pathomechanics of the disease. In certain cases the presence of the HLA B27 gene has also shown a pattern but nothing significant development can be noted.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis can be enlisted as follows:
·         Idiopathic
·         Genetic

Signs and symptoms of Ankylosingspondylitis can be noted as follows:

The most common sign in an Ankylosing spondylitis patient is the presence of stiffness in the entire body. The major cause is the absence of mobility in the inter-vertebral spine that causes restriction of movements thus causing the patient to attain the stooped posture. The stiffness is more than that of pain. In Ankylosing spondylitis the process of ankylosing of the joints is enhanced thus restricting the quality of life on an individual. In this kind of patients, the proximal joints of the spine are more affected than the extremities thus hampering the spine to be utilized to its utmost benefit. Besides these signs and symptoms, there are more systemic manifestations of the disease. There is decreased vital capacity of the lungs due to widespread restriction due to the fusion of the rib cage thus hindering the full expansion of the lungs. This in turn causes them difficulty in breathing and even while laughing or sneezing as these activities causes increased intra abdominal pressure that in turn causes increased pressure on the spine. In certain cases, the tail bone is also affected. One can experience the inflammation of the sacro-iliac bone thus causing the sacroilitis condition.

Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis is not specific as the causative factor causing it has not been detected. The sole purpose of improvement that cane expected from ankylosing condition includes the following:
·        
      Preventing further deterioration of the condition
·         Functional improvement
·         Improving the mobility of the spine
·         Inculcating active lifestyle that will keep the spine mobile and healthy.

In such cases breathing techniques are also advised that will further improve the breathing ability and keep the chest wall mobile with repetitive inhalation and exhalation techniques. Incentive spirometry or blowing balloons can be another such method to improve the lung capacity. Besides this, consulting a rheumatologist is also essential to achieve better outcomes of the patients.


Don’t be depressed but instead with advancement in medical technology and further studies, enhanced and scientifically proven support can be expected that will help in improving the quality of life of patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis.

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