Ankylosing Spondylitis Specialists in Delhi
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness that can progressive…
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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.
Moderate
Uncommon — affects about 0.1-1.4% of the population depending on ethnicity
No
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 Delhi
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.
Ankylosing spondylitis is classified along a disease spectrum from non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (inflammation present on MRI without visible changes on X-ray yet) to radiographic ankylosing spondylitis (established structural changes and fusion visible on X-ray), reflecting different stages of the same underlying inflammatory process.
Rheumatology Specialists in Delhi (0)
No specialists listed yet in Delhi — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ankylosing spondylitis hereditary?
It's strongly associated with the HLA-B27 gene and tends to run in families, though not everyone carrying the gene develops the condition.
Will my spine definitely fuse over time?
Not necessarily — the degree of fusion varies widely, and early diagnosis with consistent treatment and physical therapy can significantly slow or limit progression.
Can exercise make it worse?
No, regular movement and stretching actually help maintain spinal flexibility and posture, while inactivity tends to worsen stiffness.
Why do my eyes sometimes get inflamed?
Uveitis, or eye inflammation, is a recognized complication of ankylosing spondylitis and should be evaluated promptly by an eye specialist if it occurs.
Are biologic medications necessary for everyone?
No, NSAIDs are typically tried first, with biologic therapies reserved for moderate-to-severe disease that doesn't respond adequately to initial treatment.