Ankylosing spondylitis causes lower back pain, stiffness, and other potentially debilitating issues. At Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the team of esteemed rheumatic disease specialists understands the unique needs of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. For a full range of treatment options in a welcoming setting, call the office or click the scheduling feature to book your appointment today.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. It causes inflammation in the ligaments and joints in the spine, leading to lower back pain.
Ankylosing spondylitis usually develops before age 45 and sometimes first appears in childhood. It currently affects about twice as many men as women.
The main symptom of ankylosing spondylitis is lower back pain. Usually, the pain intensifies when at rest and fades when you’re moving around. You might also have hip pain, which could move to other joints in your body as well.
Along with pain, some people with ankylosing spondylitis experience:
Ankylosing spondylitis often occurs in flares, so you might have symptom-free periods (remission) and sudden flare-ups. But, in general, the condition worsens over time.
Up to 10% of people with ankylosing spondylitis experience psoriasis in the skin or inflammatory bowel disease in the digestive tract.
The cause of ankylosing spondylitis isn’t known. Research shows that genes and environment may combine to lead to the disease.
A specific gene, HLA-B27, significantly increases the risk of developing the disease. However, not every person with HLA-B27 develops the disease, so research is ongoing to determine the roots of ankylosing spondylitis.
Early diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is the most efficient way to relieve symptoms and slow disease progression. Comprehensive Arthritis Care offers a range of options to meet your needs, such as:
Most patients get the best results with a combination of therapy types. Treatment can be extremely effective if you reach out for help when you first notice low back pain or other issues.
Comprehensive Arthritis Care helps patients return to active life after their ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis. To learn how they can help you, click the online scheduling feature or book your appointment by calling the Hendersonville office now.