What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. It typically begins in early adulthood and gradually progresses, sometimes causing the vertebrae to fuse over time. Early recognition and proper management are essential to prevent long-term complications and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

At Lokmanya Hospitals, Pune, patients with ankylosing spondylitis receive expert evaluation and care. The hospital combines advanced diagnostic tools with skilled orthopedic specialists and rheumatologists to provide individualized treatment plans. From medication management and physiotherapy to advanced interventions, Lokmanya Hospitals ensures comprehensive care for every patient.

Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Early recognition and proper management are crucial to prevent complications and maintain an active lifestyle.

Causes and Risk Factors

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a complex condition, and its exact cause is not fully understood. However, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

• Genetics: People who carry the HLA-B27 gene are at higher risk. While not everyone with this gene develops AS, its presence significantly increases susceptibility.
• Immune system dysfunction: AS is an autoimmune-related condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing chronic inflammation.
• Age and gender: AS usually begins in late teens to early 30s and is more prevalent in men than women. Early onset often means the disease can progress over decades.
• Family history: If close relatives, such as parents or siblings, have AS, there is a higher chance of developing the condition due to inherited genetic factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AS often start subtly, which is why early detection can be challenging:

• Chronic lower back and hip pain: Pain usually begins in the lower back or hips and is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The discomfort can improve with movement but persists over time.
• Stiffness in the spine: Inflammation causes the spine to become stiff, making it difficult to bend or twist, particularly in the lower back and neck.
• Reduced flexibility: As AS progresses, the spine loses flexibility, limiting the range of motion and making simple movements like bending or reaching difficult.
• Fatigue and general discomfort: Chronic inflammation can cause overall tiredness, low energy, and a feeling of malaise, impacting daily life.
• Advanced cases: Over time, vertebrae may fuse together, leading to a permanently hunched posture and further restricting mobility.

Complications

If left untreated, AS can lead to several serious health complications:

• Spinal fusion: Chronic inflammation can cause the vertebrae to fuse together, resulting in loss of spinal flexibility and permanent stiffness.
• Eye inflammation (uveitis): Around 25–30% of patients may develop uveitis, which causes pain, redness, and blurred vision, and requires prompt treatment.
• Heart and lung involvement: Rarely, long-term inflammation can affect the heart valves or restrict lung expansion, leading to cardiovascular or respiratory issues.
• Reduced mobility: Severe stiffness and pain can make daily activities like walking, bending, or climbing stairs difficult, affecting independence and quality of life.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to managing AS effectively:

• Physical examination: Doctors assess posture, spinal flexibility, pain points, and joint function to identify areas affected by inflammation.
• Imaging tests: X-rays and MRI scans help detect early signs of spinal inflammation, vertebral changes, and fusion, which may not yet produce obvious symptoms.
• Blood tests: These identify inflammatory markers and check for the presence of the HLA-B27 gene, supporting diagnosis.
• Medications: Treatments include NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, biologics to target specific immune responses, and disease-modifying drugs to slow progression.
• Physiotherapy: Customized exercises improve spinal strength, posture, and flexibility, which help reduce stiffness and maintain mobility.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions may be needed to correct spinal deformities or relieve nerve compression, restoring function and reducing pain.

Why Choose  Lokmanya Hospitals for Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment

At Lokmanya Hospitals, patients benefit from collaboration between orthopedic specialists, rheumatologists, and physiotherapists. Every treatment plan is personalized to address the patient’s symptoms, progression, and lifestyle needs.

The hospital uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools to detect early inflammation and vertebral changes. Patients also receive guidance on exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle modifications to slow disease progression and maintain mobility. Lokmanya Hospitals ensures that treatment addresses both immediate pain relief and long-term spinal health.

Conclusion

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact quality of life if left unmanaged. Early recognition, timely intervention, and consistent treatment are essential for reducing pain, preserving mobility, and preventing complications. With its expert specialists, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and personalized care plans, Lokmanya Hospitals provides comprehensive support for patients living with ankylosing spondylitis, helping them maintain an active, fulfilling life.

FAQs

1. What is ankylosing spondylitis?
It is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
2. Who is at risk of developing AS?
Young adults, particularly men, individuals with the HLA-B27 gene, or those with a family history of AS are at higher risk.
3. What are the early symptoms of AS?
Chronic lower back and hip pain, stiffness in the morning, fatigue, and limited spinal flexibility.
4. Can ankylosing spondylitis be cured?
There is no cure, but early diagnosis and treatment can manage symptoms, slow progression, and improve quality of life.
5. What treatments are available for AS?
Medications (NSAIDs, biologics), physiotherapy, posture correction, lifestyle modifications, and, in severe cases, surgery.
6. Can AS affect other parts of the body?
Yes, it can cause eye inflammation (uveitis) and, rarely, heart or lung involvement.
7. How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
Through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests (X-ray/MRI), and blood tests for inflammatory markers or the HLA-B27 gene.
8. Why choose Lokmanya Hospitals for treatment?
Lokmanya Hospitals offers expert orthopedic and rheumatology care, advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and physiotherapy for effective symptom management.