Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Chronic inflammation causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Later chronic spinal inflammation i.e. spondylitis can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis leads further in loss of mobility of the spine.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic disease, affecting other tissues throughout the body. It can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as to other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Ankylosing spondylitis shares many features with several other arthritis conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis etc. Each of these arthritic conditions can cause disease and inflammation in the spine, other joints, eyes, skin, mouth, and various organs. In view of their similarities and tendency to cause inflammation of the spine.

Ankylosing spondylitis is considered as one of the many rheumatic diseases because it can cause symptoms involving muscles and joints.Ankylosing spondylitis is two to three times more common in males than in females.The most common age of onset of symptoms is in the second and third decades of life.

The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are related to inflammation of the spine, joints, and other organs. Fatigue is a common symptom associated with active inflammation. Inflammation of the spine causes pain and stiffness in the low back, upper buttock area, neck, and the remainder of the spine. The onset of pain and stiffness is usually gradual and progressively worsens over months. Occasionally, the onset is rapid and intense. The symptoms of pain and stiffness are often worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. The pain and stiffness are often eased by motion, heat, and a warm shower in the morning. Because ankylosing spondylitis often affects adolescents, the onset of low back pain is sometimes incorrectly attributed to athletic injuries in younger patients.Patients who have chronic, severe inflammation of the spine can develop a complete bony fusion of the spine.

A sudden onset of pain and mobility in the spinal area of these patients can indicate bone breakage. The lower neck is the most common area for such fractures.Chronic spondylitis and ankylosis cause forward curvature of the upper torso (thoracic spine), limiting breathing capacity. Spondylitis can also affect the areas where ribs attach to the upper spine, further limiting lung capacity. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs, causing coughing andshortness of breath, especially with exercise and infections. Therefore, breathing difficulty can be a serious complication of ankylosing spondylitis.

DR. KISHORE MULTI SPECIALITY HOMOEOPATHIC CLINIC offers excellent treatment for patient suffering from differnt type of spondalitis.