Welcome to ankylosing spondylitis Info web page. This site was designed to provide research, information, and resources for those that suffer, or family members of those that suffer from ankylosing spondylitis (AS). AS can be a painful condition that can often leave those it affects searching for answers and relief.
The purpose of this site is help those find answers and relief from ankylosing spondylitis. From medical treatments to natural treatments, diet to exercise, as well as detailed investigation into the latest research on the condition.
Lumbar spondylosis is characterized by osteophytes which are located at the lateral and anterior and sometimes at the posterior aspects of the inferior and superior margins of the vertebral bodies. This type of spondylosis has no symptoms. Patients that have spondylosis of the lumbar region such as symptomatic nerve root impingement will be normally be recommended two days of bed rest. If the symptoms do not subside then surgery is needed. In the absence of complications medication is not used.
The spine and surrounding tissue become affected when a disc that lies between the spinal vertebrae is compressed. This is what lumbar spondylosis is. The condition is characterized by weakness and pain. The condition can be improved with the correct exercise program which can be devised by a physician or a physical therapist only. However, before embarking on such an exercise program a patient needs to be free of pain. If a patients starts experiencing pain during these exercises they need to stop. Read the rest of this entry »
Over the years sacroiliac joint pain has been difficult to diagnose and has been associated with leg and lower back pain. The sacrum which is a triangular bone that is situated at the bottom of the spine connects to the pelvis. If the joint is disturbed in any way this could cause severe pain. Pain can also be caused if one moves around excessively. It can also occur if a person is sitting for too long.
During the early 20’s sacroiliac joint syndrome was commonly diagnosed as lumbago. Pain that occurred in the buttock, legs and lower back was diagnosed as sacroiliac joint syndrome. It was not until the late 80’s that doctors noted that the SI joints were maybe the cause of lower back pain. Even today SI joint pain is often misdiagnosed. In order for people to understand their symptoms as well as treatment options it is wise to have some knowledge of the lower back anatomy. Becoming familiar with the parts that make up the sacral and lumbar spine is quite useful.
In the pelvis region there are two SI joints which are connected to the tailbone, the sacrum, and to the pelvic bone, the ileum. The sacroiliac joints are connected to the spine and to the pelvic area as well as to the whole lower half of the skeleton. In addition there is also articular cartilage on either side of the sacroiliac joint surface. It is also present on all the other joints. Read the rest of this entry »
What is Ankylosis? This is a joint stiffness due to normal rigidity and adhesion of joints. It may have occurred due to disease or an injury. Ankylosis is derived from the Greek word anchylosis which means crooked or bent. The rigidity may be partial or incomplete. It could be caused by inflammation of the muscles or tendons outside of the joint. The joint tissues might be damaged and this may cause the condition as well.
A dangerous disease known as noma is common in the sub Saharan desert. It is typically seen in children that are malnourished. This disease can be the cause of ankylosis which in this instance affects the mandible and maxilla. This in turn causes speech impediment and one may not able to eat. There is a false ankylosis which affects the outside structures of the joint and true ankylosis which affects the joint from within.
The term complete or osseous is used to describe the condition when the bones are fused together. This is caused by severe inflammation. Many people also suffer from what is known as frozen shoulder or elbow. This means ankylosis has set in. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, but it can also affect other joints. Ankylosis causes inflammation of the joints in the spine and this in turn causes severe discomfort and pain. Read the rest of this entry »
Spondylitis is a form of arthritis which is extremely painful as it involves bones stiffening. This in turn limits complete and free movement. The bones virtually lock when a person develops arthritis and the person is unable to move around freely. Once the bones lock one may also experience severe pain. The term ankylosing depicts popping of the joints due to stiffening of the bones. Not popping but locking may actually occur. Ankylosing spondylitis (A.S.) is an inflammation of the bones which constitute the spinal column.
Studies have revealed that this condition is a form of arthritis which may be characterized severe painful episodes whereby a person loses their ability to move. Problems with spinal movement are common. It may also affect the hips. A.S. can affect children younger than fifteen as well as adults. In particular, if there is a history of spondylitis in the family children are at greater risk. Research has also shown that A.S is gender specific as men are more prone to A.S as opposed to women. Read the rest of this entry »