Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine. It causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae, which can lead to chronic back, neck, and hip pain and stiffness. In severe cases, the inflammation can cause the vertebrae to fuse together, creating a rigid spine with limited mobility. Around 200,000 people in the UK are thought to have AS. 

Symptoms: Symptoms of AS can vary from person to person, but may include: 

• Chronic pain and stiffness in the back, neck, and hips 
• Fatigue and loss of appetite 
• Difficulty taking deep breaths 
• Pain and inflammation in other joints, such as the shoulders, knees, and ankles 
• Eye inflammation (uveitis) 

Causes: The exact causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis are not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including: 

• Genetics: AS has a strong genetic component, with around 90% of people with the condition having the HLA-B27 gene. 
• Inflammation: AS is an inflammatory condition, and it is believed that inflammation in the body triggers the development of the condition in genetically susceptible individuals. 
• Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as infections or smoking, may trigger the development of AS in people who are genetically susceptible. 

Treatments: While there is no cure for AS, there are several treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include: 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain 
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow the progression of AS 
• Biologic drugs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, which target specific proteins involved in the inflammatory process 
• Physiotherapy and exercise programs to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility 
• Surgery to replace damaged joints or correct severe deformities 

Early Diagnosis and Treatment:  

It’s worth noting that early detection and treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis can help prevent or slow the progression of joint damage. If you have symptoms of AS, such as chronic back pain or joint pain and stiffness, you should see your doctor right away to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Physiotherapy and Exercise for AS: 

Physiotherapy is frequently used as a first-line treatment for ankylosing spondylitis in the United Kingdom because it can help improve flexibility, muscle strength, and posture. R3 Physiotherapy provides a comprehensive approach to managing AS, incorporating cutting-edge technology such as the Functional Scanner to identify any postural maladaptation’s, hands-on techniques such as manipulation and mobilisation, and personalised exercise programmes to improve strength, balance, and control. 

To summarise, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and can significantly impact quality of life. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can be managed while improving overall health and well-being. If you suspect you have AS, seek medical attention and take steps to manage your condition. 

If you have ankylosing spondylitis, seek help from a qualified physiotherapist like R3 Physiotherapy to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

References

Crossfield, S.S.R., Marzo-Ortega, H., Kingsbury, S.R., Pujades-Rodriguez, M., & Conaghan, P.G. (2022). Changes in ankylosing spondylitis incidence, prevalence and time to diagnosis over two decades. Rheumatology, 61(9), 2327-2335. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab045

Zhu, W., He, X., Cheng, K., Zhang, L., Chen, D., Wang, X., Qiu, G., Cao, X., & Weng, X. (2019). Ankylosing spondylitis: etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. Bone research, 7, 22. doi: 10.1038/s41413-019-0064-4