Ankylosing Spondylitis
(Marie-Strumpell Disease)
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a condition in which the joints and ligaments of the back become inflamed.
Symptoms
AS causes stiffness, usually starting in the lower back. Over time it may spread into the upper spine, causing joints and bones to become fused. This makes the spine rigid.
About a third of all persons with AS may have symptoms that affect other parts of the body besides the joints and ligaments, including ones affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Causes and Risk Factors
This condition tends to be inherited. It most commonly occurs in men between the ages of 16 and 30, but can also occur in women.
Diagnosis
Some blood tests can help identify that the symptoms are those of AS. However, X-rays must confirm the diagnosis.
Some changes caused by AS only begin appearing over a period of 10 years or so.
Treatment
The earlier AS is treated, the better. Once joints fuse (become joined together and rigid), mobility won't completely return even with treatment. Drugs may relieve the pain it causes.
Usually, AS is treated with:
- Physical therapy to reduce pain and stiffness and to bring back mobility
- Drug therapy. This includes over-the-counter drugs that relieve pain (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and piroxicam). It can also include drugs that modify rheumatic diseases (such as sulfasalazine and methotrexate and corticosteroids like prednisone. Researchers are also looking at promising, new drugs, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers etanercept and infliximab.
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