Ankylosing Spondylitis Specialists in Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness that can progressively lead to fusion of the vertebrae over time. This fusion, called ankylosis, can reduce spinal flexibility and result in a stooped posture if untreated. The condition can also involve peripheral joints, eyes, and other organs. It typically begins in early adulthood and is strongly associated with a specific genetic marker.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Strongly associated with the HLA-B27 gene, though not everyone with the gene develops the condition, suggesting additional genetic and environmental triggers are involved. The inflammatory process begins at the entheses, where ligaments and tendons attach to bone, eventually leading to new bone formation and spinal fusion.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Chronic lower back and hip pain, morning stiffness that improves with movement, reduced spinal flexibility, fatigue, pain that worsens with rest and improves with exercise, eye inflammation (uveitis), pain in other joints like shoulders and knees, difficulty taking deep breaths in advanced cases

Treatment & Types of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra

NSAIDs are typically the first line of treatment to reduce pain and inflammation, with biologic agents such as TNF inhibitors used for moderate to severe cases that don't respond adequately. Physical therapy and regular stretching exercises are crucial to maintain spinal mobility and posture, and surgery is rarely needed for severe joint damage.

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