Ankylosing Spondylitis is a common type of arthritis that affects the spine and causes lower back pain. The disease erodes the facet joint between your hip bone and spine, affecting mobility. Erosion in the sacroiliac joint causes extensive pain, but you can manage it by visiting a pain management clinic. The pain management experts help ease pain through spinal manipulations and adjustments.
Ankylosing Spondylitis can occur in anyone, but some individuals are at a higher risk. Common factors that increase the risk of developing Ankylosing Spondylitis include:
- Age: While ankylosing spondylitis can develop in kids and teens, most patients develop symptoms while they are young adults.
- Genetics: Patients with close relatives suffering from ankylosing spondylitis are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Sex: Ankylosing spondylitis is more prevalent among men than women.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Patients with other conditions like psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Chron’s disease are more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis has no cure but catching the disease early can help slow its progression. Here are some common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis that you should watch out for:
Inflammation
During the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis development, you might notice some muscle inflammation. Inflammation occurs on various sites throughout the body, especially in tendons and ligaments. The area around your spine may swell, with the inflammation characterized by pain and redness in the area.
Common areas you may experience inflammation include:
- Under your heel in the Achilles tendon area
- The crest of your shin bone
- The joint between your breastbone and rib
- Your spinal column’s base
Pain
Pain is the most common symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis since it affects your body’s normal function. The pain can be mild initially but worsens over time if the disease is not managed. Some patients with the condition experience extreme pain, affecting their sleep.
Common areas you can experience related pain include:
- Lower back
- Neck and shoulders
- Thighs
- Chest
- Buttocks
- Feet
- Heels
- Thighs
- Hips
- Hands
Since Ankylosing Spondylitis affects your spinal column, you can experience mobility issues and imbalance. Most pain occurs due to stress in areas that caution your body weight. The pain may worsen in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
Difficulty Breathing
Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause pulmonary fibrosis. Patients experience lung inflammation and scarring in some areas, which may result in chest tightness and reduced lung capacity. You may experience shortness of breath, constant coughing, and oxygen deficiency, especially when exercising.
The effect on your spine may extend to the area holding the ribs. This may cause painful rib cage movement when breathing, resulting in discomfort and chest pain.
Fatigue
Alongside the pain, inflammation, and breathing problems, patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis often experience fatigue. The constant lack of energy can stem from sleep deprivation or appetite loss. Fatigue can affect your quality of life since you stay inactive most of the day. High levels of inactivity can result in serious psychological issues like anxiety and depression.
Vision Problems
Patients suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis often develop anterior uveitis if the condition is left untreated. Some symptoms one may experience include:
- Swelling and pain in the eye region
- Light sensitivity
- Decreased, cloudy, or blurred vision
- Inflammation of the iris
Repetitive episodes of the uveitis condition cause macular degeneration. The patients may experience worse complications like edema, glaucoma, formation of cataracts, and adhesion of the iris to the lens.
Skin Rash
Some patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis develop a skin rash called psoriasis. This kind of skin rash is an autoimmune condition that manifests as reddish and scaly patches. These patches often develop on elbows, scalp, and knees. While the skin rash is rarely itchy, scratching affected areas may form blisters that worsen and become lesions.
Muscle Stiffness
Due to inflammation, the joints might not function properly. This reduces the range of motion in your joints and causes overall stiffness. Joint stiffness is often accompanied by pain and muscle spasms.
Since changing postures, like bending forward, can relieve muscle spasms, many patients tend to stoop while sitting. Stooped posture affects spinal alignment and may become permanent, affecting overall mobility.
Work With the Best Pain Management Clinic
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of arthritis with symptoms like low back pain, inflammation, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Pain in your lower back, neck, and joints can affect your quality of life, but you can manage it through proper exercise. Visit the best pain management clinic to manage ankylosing spondylitis symptoms and slow down its progression.