Ankylosing Spondylitis

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis


The symptoms of AS often begin gradually, with pain first arising in the right or left butt cheek. As the weeks drag on, the pain may move into the opposite side of your buttock. Because AS is rare, doctors may mistake AS for sciatica or piriformis syndrome–two very common causes of butt and back pain.

If this sounds like you, then visit a doctor whom you trust ASAP. If you try to ignore AS, then your condition will only worsen. For example, untreated AS can lead to spinal deformities (such as kyphosis), osteoporosis (or brittle bones), and osteomyelitis (or bone infections). Don’t wait to relieve your AS symptoms! Contact the arthritis and spinal deformity experts at The Advanced Spine Center today!

Who Will Develop Ankylosing Spondylitis?


85% of patients with AS have a gene known as HLA-B27. But, there is some good news. Less than 5% of people with the HLA-B27 gene will go on to develop AS. This suggests that both genetics and the environment will decide who acquires AS. Other genes that seem to play a role in AS include IL1A, ERAP1, and IL23R. However, if your doctor suspects that you have AS, then he or she will run a blood test to determine if you carry the HLA-B27 gene. (Your doctor will not test for the presence of these other genes because their role in AS is even less understood.)

Other risk factors for this condition include your age and sex. For example, men ages (17 – 45) are twice as likely as women to develop this disease, with ages 18 – 22 being the typical age of onset. Furthermore, when women do develop AS, their symptoms tend to differ from those of men. In women with AS, for example, joint stiffness often begins in the neck or hips instead of the lumbar spine.

In addition, if you have ever had ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or psoriasis, then your risk of developing AS increases significantly. (In general, these disorders tend to occur with other types of arthritis. For example, the presence of the scaly rash associated with psoriasis defines if a patient with arthritis has Psoriatic Arthritis.)

Ankylosing Spondylitis & Spinal Deformity


We cannot stress enough that AS can lead to spinal deformity. Not only will your vertebrae fuse together over time, but you are also more likely to develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis means “porous” bones. And, excessively porous bones with low bone mineral density cannot withstand everyday forces.

Weakened vertebrae will fracture on the front side when confronted with the even slightest pressure. Even a sneeze! As more and more vertebrae shatter into this wedge shape, the spine will arc forward (aka kyphosis).

If your AS involves kyphosis, then you need a board-certified spine surgeon who specializes in spinal deformity correction, like our team of spine specialists at The Advanced Spine Center. Don’t let your life be ruled by pain and stiffness. Our doctors can help!

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Options

Pain Medications

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, like naproxen, to treat pain and stiffness. If these medications aren’t strong enough, then TNF blockers like Adalimumab (Humira) or Etanercept (Enbrel) can relieve soreness and swelling.

Osteotomy

If your AS involves kyphosis, then you may need an osteotomy to correct your spinal curvature. During an osteotomy, your doctor will remove sections of bone that cause your spinal deformity. The spine is then realigned and fused for support. Read more...

Physical Therapy

Before attempting surgery, your doctor will suggest physical therapy to better your posture and strengthen your back. Other gentle forms of exercise that may help include yoga, swimming, weight lifting, tai chi, and water aerobics.

Laminectomy

If your AS causes pinched spinal nerves, then your doctor will need to perform a laminectomy to relieve the pressure. During a laminectomy, your doctor removes the lamina (or back side of the spine) to release any pinched nerves. Read more...