What are the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as Bechterew’s disease, is a challenging chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease with several characteristic features. This text describes in detail the symptoms, the course of the disease and possible complications, providing a deeper insight into the nature of this pathology.

WHAT IS ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS?

Although the cause of the inflammatory process in the spine is still being investigated, advances in understanding the mechanisms of the disease allow for more precise diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches. The cause of akylosing spondylitis is unknown, and genes seem to play a role. Most people with ankylosing spondylitis test positive for the HLA-B27 gene.

At its core, ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness along it, especially in the lower back. In addition, symptoms can spread to other parts of the body, such as the joints of the arms and legs. The key name “ankylosis” refers to stiffness, while “spondylitis” denotes inflammation of the vertebrae.

The onset of the disease is usually gradual, with pain and stiffness developing over several weeks or months. Morning stiffness, especially in the lower back, is a common symptom, making it difficult for daily activities such as getting dressed or leaning forward.

The disease often begins between the ages of 20. and 40. years of life, but it can start even before 10. age. It affects more men than women. Many people with ankylosing spondylitis have mild and transient episodes of back pain and stiffness. But in others, there is a strong, constant pain with a loss of flexibility in the spine. In addition, other symptoms may develop if other areas of the body, such as hips, ribs, shoulders, knees, ankles and feet, are affected.

STAGES OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS DISEASE

In the early stages, ankylosing spondylitis most often causes:

• stiffness and pain in the lower back in the early morning that lasts at least 30 minutes, and then decreases during the day or with activity,
• The pain can occur at night, spreading to the hips, sometimes the legs

Over time, due to inflammation, the vertebrae merge with each other, limiting mobility and leading to a characteristic body posture with the head tilted forward, shoulders bent and slightly bent hips and knees. In addition, the disease can cause skin changes, inflammation of the eyes, bowel problems, as well as changes in the lungs, heart and blood vessels.

It is very important to note that ankylosing spondylitis manifests itself not only through joint pain, but is often associated with non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, feeling exhausted, loss of appetite and weight reduction. These symptoms can significantly affect the quality of life of patients and require a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Although the disease most often occurs in younger adulthood, its intensity, course and consequences can vary significantly among individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to provide individualized treatment to each patient in order to diagnose the disease in a timely manner, prevent complications and ensure the best possible therapy.