Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Living with a chronic condition like ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can feel overwhelming at times, but understanding your condition is the first step toward managing it effectively.

You can not stop wondering what ankylosing spondylitis is, and what its symptoms look like, or if there are any causes or related conditions you need to worry about.

Firstly, we would suggest you to calm down if you learn about this condition, and do not panic if this is happening to you.

We are going to help you understand all the treatment options that are available today, and also we will help you with some practical tips for living with AS, including exercise, posture, and even saving money on medications using prescription discount cards.

What Exactly Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis (pronounced ank-ee-lo-zing spon-dee-li-tus) is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes inflammation in the spinal joints, which can lead to stiffness and pain in your back, rib cage, and neck.

Often beginning in your late teens or early twenties, AS can gradually make your back and neck feel stiff, as extra calcium builds up around the bones due to ongoing inflammation. In serious cases, the bones may even fuse together, limiting movement and causing your spine to curve forward.

While AS mostly targets the back and neck, it doesn’t stop there. It can also bring pain and stiffness to other parts of your body, such as your hips, shoulders, and feet.

Although we don’t yet know exactly what triggers ankylosing spondylitis, genetics play a big part. In fact, many people with AS test positive for the HLA-B27 gene — even though having this gene doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop the condition.

The Bigger Picture: Related Conditions

Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to a group of conditions known as spondyloarthritis, which all share similar symptoms like pain and stiffness around the spine. Here are a few related conditions you might hear about:

• Non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (or nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis): This condition shows symptoms similar to AS — think pain and stiffness — without visible changes on an x-ray. Some people diagnosed with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis might eventually meet the criteria for ankylosing spondylitis.
• Psoriatic spondyloarthritis: This form can occur in people with psoriasis, the skin condition that causes red, scaly patches.
• Enteropathic arthritis: Associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
• Reactive arthritis: This develops in response to an infection in another part of your body.
• Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Often seen in children and teens, this involves inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bones.

If you suspect you have AS or any of these related conditions, your healthcare provider might recommend an ankylosing spondylitis test.

And remember, seeing an experienced ankylosing spondylitis doctor can make all the difference in getting a timely and accurate diagnosis.

If eye issues arise, such as pain or vision changes, don’t hesitate to consult a uveitis specialist since eye inflammation is a serious symptom that needs prompt attention.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

One of the first things you’ll notice with ankylosing spondylitis is persistent back pain that tends to be worse in the morning. Here are some common early symptoms:

• Morning stiffness and lower back pain that improves as the day goes on.
• Night-time pain that may wake you up from sleep.
• Pain in the buttocks and along the backs of your thighs.

Unlike typical backaches, the discomfort from AS is usually long-lasting. Over time, you might also feel pain in your neck, shoulders, hips, or even knees and ankles.

Other signs to watch out for include:

• Soreness in your heel or foot arch.
• Tenderness around your pelvis, which can make sitting uncomfortable.
• Gradual chest tightness or pain that makes deep breathing a challenge.
• Digestive issues such as prolonged diarrhea or signs of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Persistent fatigue that doesn’t seem to improve with rest.
• Mental health struggles like anxiety or depression.

One particularly serious symptom is eye inflammation (uveitis or iritis), which might present as a red, painful, or sensitive eye.

If you notice any vision changes, such as blurriness or floaters, it’s crucial to seek help immediately!

Complications to Be Aware Of

Living with AS over the long term can sometimes lead to complications. These might include:

• Spinal fractures: The fusion of bones in your spine can make them more brittle, increasing the risk of fractures that might damage nerves.
• Osteoporosis: Thinning bones are more prone to fractures, which is why maintaining bone health is critical.
• Cardiovascular concerns: People with AS have a slightly higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Keeping inflammation in check through treatment and a healthy lifestyle is key.
• Lung issues: Although rare, scarring in the upper lungs can occur if AS affects your chest.

If you experience any new or unexplained symptoms like sudden weakness, numbness, or pain, make sure to inform your doctor right away.

Diagnosing Ankylosing Spondylitis

Because the early symptoms of AS can look like common back pain, many people don’t seek help until the condition has advanced.

When you do visit a healthcare provider, you’ll likely see a rheumatologist who specializes in joint and muscle disorders.

Diagnosis typically involves:

• A detailed history: Your doctor will ask about the nature of your pain, how long it lasts, and how it affects your daily activities.
• Physical examination: This helps assess your range of motion and detect any tenderness in your spine and other joints.
• Blood tests: These tests may look for inflammation markers and check for the HLA-B27 gene.
• Imaging tests: X-rays or MRIs are used to detect changes in your spine that are characteristic of AS.
• Disease activity scores: Your doctor might use standardized tools to gauge the severity of your symptoms.

If you’re having trouble with your diagnosis, remember that a thorough ankylosing spondylitis test and a visit to an experienced ankylosing spondylitis doctor can provide clarity and help guide your treatment plan.

Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Approach

While there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, several treatment options can help control symptoms, slow progression, and improve quality of life.

1. Medications

1. Pain Relievers and NSAIDs:
   Medications like paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are usually the first step. They help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, making daily activities more comfortable.
2. DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs):
   Drugs like sulfasalazine and methotrexate can help reduce inflammation, particularly if AS is affecting joints beyond the spine. Although these medications can take time to work, they often make a big difference in controlling symptoms over the long term.
3. Biological Therapies:
   For those whose symptoms aren’t well managed by NSAIDs or DMARDs, biological therapies can offer a targeted approach. Medications like etanercept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and golimumab are anti-TNF drugs that work by reducing inflammation more specifically. Newer treatments, such as secukinumab (an IL-17 inhibitor), are also available. These drugs are administered by injection, which many patients learn to self-administer.
4. Steroids:
   In cases of severe flare-ups, short-term use of steroids (either as injections or tablets) can help control inflammation quickly. Eye inflammation, for example, may be treated with steroid eye drops.

2. Physical Therapies

Regular exercise is absolutely essential when managing AS. A skilled physiotherapist can tailor a program to help you maintain mobility, improve strength, and reduce stiffness.

Some people find hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy) especially helpful, as the water supports your body and reduces the stress on your joints.

Whether it’s gentle stretching after a warm shower or structured exercises like Pilates, yoga, or even t’ai chi, staying active is a cornerstone of managing AS.

3. Surgery

While most people with AS manage well with medications and physical therapy, some might eventually require surgical intervention. Joint replacements, especially of the hips or knees, can provide significant relief if the joints are severely damaged.

Rarely, surgery might be considered to correct spinal deformities, but such cases are exceptional and require careful consultation with a spinal surgeon.

Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Daily Tips for a Better Life

Managing life with AS involves a mix of medical treatment and practical day-to-day strategies. Here’s how you can improve your quality of life:

1. Keep Moving

Staying active is one of the best ways to manage AS. Regular exercise helps prevent your spine from stiffening and keeps your joints flexible. It might sound simple, but even a daily walk or a short stretching routine can work wonders — Remember, too much rest can actually worsen stiffness.

If you’re unsure where to start, ask your physiotherapist for guidance. They might suggest specific exercises like those below:

• Stand Against a Wall: With your heels and backside touching a wall, gently push your head back. Hold for a few seconds and repeat.
• Waist Turns: Stand with your feet apart, place your hands on your hips, and slowly turn your waist from side to side.
• Superman Exercise: Lie on your stomach and gently lift your legs one at a time, engaging your back muscles.
• Bird-Dog: On all fours, extend opposite arms and legs and hold for a few seconds before switching sides.

These exercises help keep your body agile and reduce the discomfort associated with prolonged inactivity.

2. Workplace Adjustments

Most people with ankylosing spondylitis can continue to work while managing their condition, though you might need some changes to your work environment.

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations if your condition affects your ability to perform your job. This might mean adjusting your workspace with ergonomic furniture, flexible work hours, or even options to work from home part-time.

It’s a good idea to have an open conversation with your employer or human resources about your needs. You can ask for a workplace assessment to determine what adjustments could help you stay comfortable and productive throughout the day.

Simple changes, such as taking regular breaks to stretch, using a supportive chair, or having an adjustable desk, can make a significant difference.

Remember, these accommodations are meant to help you manage your condition while maintaining your work performance.

If you need further guidance, you might consider reaching out to a vocational rehabilitation counselor or your doctor for advice on specific adjustments that could benefit you.

3. Relationships, Family, and Intimacy

Living with AS can affect every part of your life, including your relationships and family planning. If you experience pain during intimacy, consider taking pain relievers in advance and discussing comfortable positions with your partner.

When planning for a family, consult with your doctor about medications — some, like methotrexate, may need to be stopped before conception. Open communication is key to managing these personal aspects of your condition.

4. Sleep and Posture

Quality sleep is crucial for managing AS symptoms. Creating a soothing bedtime routine, ensuring your bedroom is comfortable, and using a supportive mattress can help.

In addition, paying attention to your posture throughout the day — whether sitting, standing, or driving — can relieve undue stress on your spine.

Small adjustments, like using a lumbar cushion or taking periodic posture breaks, go a long way in managing chronic pain.

5. Diet and Nutrition

While there isn’t a magic diet that cures AS, a balanced, low-fat diet supports overall health and reduces the strain on your joints. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong, especially since AS can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Consider incorporating dairy products, calcium-enriched plant milks, and vitamin D supplements into your routine.

6. Quitting Smoking

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best steps you can take for your overall health. Smoking can worsen inflammation and speed up the process of spinal fusion, not to mention its negative impact on your heart and lungs. Seek support from your healthcare provider or local resources — the benefits of quitting are well worth the effort.

7. Complementary Therapies

Some people explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture or hydrotherapy for extra relief from pain. While these approaches won’t replace traditional medical treatments, they can sometimes help manage symptoms. Always discuss any new therapies with your doctor to ensure they won’t interfere with your prescribed treatments.

Saving on Medication Costs: Prescription Discount Cards

Managing a chronic condition like ankylosing spondylitis often means long-term medication use, which can be expensive. Here’s where prescription discount options come in.

If you’re looking for an RX discount prescription solution, using a pharmacy discount card like WiseRX® discount card can be a game changer.

Many patients have found that a Free Rx Discount Card can significantly reduces their medication costs.

In fact, some pharmacies accept the Best Rx Discount Card like WiseRX® discount card at checkout.

WiseRX® discount card is available and easy to use — just show them at your local pharmacy, and you might save up to 85% on your medications.

If you’re ever wondering, “Do pharmacy discount cards work?”

The answer is a resounding yes — they’re a practical, cost-effective option for anyone managing long-term treatments.

Lastly, know that dealing with ankylosing spondylitis is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right treatment plan, lifestyle changes, and support, you can manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.

Whether you’re working through early symptoms or managing long-term effects, staying informed and proactive is key.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your treatment or medication costs, talk to your ankylosing spondylitis doctor.

And if the expense of medication is a burden, exploring options like an Rx Discount Card could offer significant financial relief.

With advances in medical research and a comprehensive approach to treatment, there’s always hope for improved quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing chronic inflammation, stiffness, and pain. It can also affect other joints and may lead to complications if not managed properly.

2. What are the early signs of AS?
The early symptoms include persistent lower back pain, especially in the morning, stiffness that lasts for at least 30 minutes, and discomfort in the buttocks or thighs. As the condition progresses, other areas such as the neck, shoulders, and hips may also become painful.

3. How is AS diagnosed?
A diagnosis usually involves a detailed medical history, a physical examination, blood tests (including checking for the HLA-B27 gene), and imaging tests like x-rays or MRIs. An ankylosing spondylitis test conducted by an experienced ankylosing spondylitis doctor can help confirm the condition. Some individuals might initially be diagnosed with non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis if visible changes aren’t yet evident on imaging.

4. What treatment options are available?
Treatment includes pain relievers and NSAIDs, DMARDs, biological therapies, and sometimes steroids for flare-ups. Physical therapy is crucial, and in severe cases, surgery might be considered. Your doctor will help tailor the treatment based on your symptoms and overall health.

5. Can complementary therapies help?
Some patients find that acupuncture, hydrotherapy, or other complementary treatments offer additional relief from pain. However, these should be used alongside, not instead of, traditional treatments, and always under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

6. How can I manage daily life with AS?
Regular exercise, good posture, proper sleep, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking are key. Simple adjustments at work, as well as open communication with your employer, can make a big difference in managing your condition.

7. What if I face high medication costs?
Using a pharmacy discount card like WiseRX® discount card can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Search for such keywords in your Google search — like the Free Rx Discount Card, Best Prescription Discount Card, Rx Discount Card, or Rx Prescription Discount Card. You will find that the WiseRX® discount card is specifically designed to help you save on your medications without compromising your treatment.

8. When should I consult a uveitis specialist?
If you notice any signs of eye inflammation, such as redness, pain, or changes in vision, it’s important to see a uveitis specialist right away. Early treatment of eye inflammation is essential to prevent long-term damage.