| What is ankylosing
spondylitis?
- Ankylosing spondylitis (pronounced
ankle-low-zing spond-ill-eye-tiss) is arthritis involving
the spine.
- Ongoing inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae)
is present causing pain, stiffness and frequently
bent posture. The inflammation may eventually make
the vertebrae fuse together.
How common is ankylosing spondylitis?
- Men are estimated to develop ankylosing
spondylitis three times more often than women.
- The first signs and symptoms appear
between the ages of 15 and 40.
- One in 1,000 are affected.
What causes ankylosing spondylitis?
- The exact cause is unknown.
- An inherited gene (HLA-B27) is associated
with an increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
However, the specific role of this gene is not fully
understood.
How do you know if you have ankylosing
spondylitis?
- Increasing low back pain is the most
common symptom.
- Back stiffness first thing in the morning or after
a prolonged period of rest is the second most common
symptom.
- Inflammation of the tendons and ligaments that connect
and provide support to joints can lead to pain and
tenderness in the ribs, shoulder blades, hips, thighs,
shins, heels and along the bony points of the spine.
- In the early stages some people may have mild fever,
loss of appetite and generally feel uncomfortable.
- The eyes can be affected and symptoms include eye
pain, watery eyes, red eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity
to light.
- A family history of persistent back problems may
be present.
- A thorough physical examination looking for loss
of spinal flexibility and function will be performed.
- X-rays and/or bone scan of the low back and pelvis
are taken.
How is ankylosing spondylitis treated?
- No cure exists but there are ways of
improving symptoms and function.
Exercise
- The key to a positive result is performing
daily back exercises as set out by a physiotherapist.
- An upright posture is also important.
Medication
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed medication.
These drugs help control the inflammation of the joints
of the vertebrae and decrease pain and stiffness.
- NSAIDs may increase your risk of stomach upset and
bleeding in the gut. Let your doctor know if you experience
stomach pain, indigestion or black stools.
- Other prescribed medications are the recently approved
cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors (COXIBs) class of medications.
Like other NSAIDs, COXIBs have similar effectiveness to older NSAIDs
in reducing pain and swelling. COXIBs do not prevent joint damage.
They may be used if you are at risk of stomach upset or other gastrointestinal (GI)
risk factors. Recent studies have suggested that COXIBs may be associated with an
increased risk of cardiovascular side effects and this should be discussed with your doctor.
- For those with severe disease who have
inflamed joints, a drug called sulfasalazine can help
manage these symptoms, and better control the disease.
- Occasionally a cortisone injection
into an affected joint or ligament brings short-term
relief.
- For those whose eyes are affected, seeing an ophthalmologist
is recommended in addition to using cortisone eye
drops.
For medications prescribed by your
doctor, it is important to know:
- Name(s) (generic and brand):
- How much to take:
- When to take it:
- How quickly will it work:
- For how long should it be taken:
- Side effects to look out for:
Protect Your Joints
- Pace yourself by alternating heavy
or repeated tasks with easy ones or rest.
- Position your body to avoid stress
on joints.
- Use helpful devices in your daily tasks
such as carts, enlarged handles, canes and grab bars.
Relaxation
- Relaxing the muscles reduces joint
pain.
- Relaxation can include deep breathing
exercises, listening to music, visualization, prayer,
meditation or listening to relaxation tapes.
Surgery
- Joint replacement surgery may be necessary
in those cases where the hip joint is seriously damaged.
For More Information…
This fact sheet is just a brief look at ankylosing spondylitis.
For more information or if you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist, or call The Arthritis Society
at 1-800-321-1433. You can also visit The Arthritis
Society’s Web site at www.arthritis.ca.
Questions to ask your doctor at your
next visit:
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This information is brought to you by
an educational grant by McNeil Consumer Healthcare,
the makers of TYLENOL* (acetaminophen)
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