Definition
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spinal column and sacroiliac joints. It causes pain and progressive stiffness, with the risk of fusion of the vertebrae over the long term.
Symptoms
How does the disease manifest?
- Chronic back pain (especially at night and when at rest)
- Morning stiffness (that improves with physical activity)
- Pain in the buttocks and hips
- Fatigue
- In advanced cases, loss of mobility and stooped posture
Factors
Risk factors
- Family history
(presence of the HLA-B27 gene) - Being male
(men are more frequently affected) - Age
(symptoms start before the age of 45) - Triggering intestinal or genital infections
Treatments
What treatments for the disease?
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Physiotherapy and exercise
(to maintain mobility) - Biotherapies targeting
(inflammatory cytokines) - Analgesics
(and in severe cases, surgery)