AS or Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease. Over time, it can cause fusion of the spine, which results in less flexibility. If this happens with your ribs, you might have difficulty breathing, while if it happens to the spine, it can result in a hunched posture.
Usually, this disease will affect men, but it can also affect women. The symptoms and signs of ankylosing spondylitis will start in the early adulthood. If you would like to know more about the disease, you can check out ankylosing spondylitis medications in Brisbane performed by arthritisCARE, or you can simply schedule a consultation with your local doctor instead.
Ankylosing spondylitis is very painful and will cause stiffness
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
Some of the earliest symptoms and signs of this condition are stiffness and pain in the hips and lower back. Ankylosing spondylitis is a lot worse in the mornings, right after you wake up… or after you have been inactive for a longer period. Having fatigue and pain in the neck is also common.
Areas that are often affected are:
- The joint between the pelvis and the base of the spine.
- The places where your ligaments and tendons attach to the bones; mainly in the spine, but it can also occur at the back of the heel.
- Your hip and shoulder joints.
- The cartilage between the ribs and breastbone.
- The vertebrae in your lower back.
The cause of ankylosing spondylitis
There is no specific cause of this condition, but there are some factors that are involved. For example, the people who have a certain gene called HLA-B27 have a high chance of developing ankylosing spondylitis. But, that does not mean that everyone with this gene will.
On the other hand, there are some risk factors to be considered as well. Your sex plays a role, as women are a lot less likely to develop this condition than men. The signs can start appearing in the early adulthood or late adolescence, and your hereditary could have a big impact.
Some forms of arthritis have very similar symptoms as ankylosing spondylitis. For example, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are both a form of arthritis that can cause stiffness, swelling and pain in the joints. You could learn more about the psoriatic arthritis if you visit https://arthritiscare.com.au/service/psoriatic-arthritis or you can simply talk to your doctor.
Ankylosing Spondylitis could also form new bones, when trying to heal itself. Those bones will fuse the vertebrae, which is what will cause your spine to become inflexible and stiff. If the bones of the ribs are fused as well, your lung capacity will be affected.
Make sure to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned
Final word
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, you should definitely talk to your doctor. Only a medical professional can tell you more about this condition, what you can expect and how it can be treated. So, make sure to talk to your doctor!
