Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the axial spine. It is a type of immune-mediated arthritis known as spondyloarthritis. It is often diagnosed through a combination of clinical history and x-rays, where sacroiliitis will be visible, although MRI may be performed
What are the signs and symptoms?
The hallmark sign for AS is chronic back pain with progressive spinal stiffness. Patients with AS also commonly have pain in their sacroiliac joints, peripheral joints and digits, such as wrists, ankles, fingers and toes, as well as pain in entheses, which is where either a tendon, ligament or joint capsule attaches to bone. Patients also frequently experience hip and glute pain in addition to dactylitis, or ‘sausage digits’. AS often causes decreases in spinal mobility resulting in postural abnormalities
Alongside musculoskeletal presentations, AS often also manifests in the organs. Approximately 50% of people with AS will have inflammatory bowel disease, 25-25% will have acute anterior uveitis and approximately 10% will have psoriasis.
Who gets it?
The cause of AS is mostly unknown, but most commonly presents in people under 40, with 80% experiencing symptoms before 30. It is more common in men than women, however, for relatives of people with AS there is an increased risk. People that are HLA-B27 positive are also more likely to have AS.
What can you do to help?
The goals of treating and managing AS is to help reduce levels of pain and stiffness, ensuring that mobility and functional ability is maintained and aiming to prevent spinal complications. This is often done through exercise, therapy (whether that be osteopathy or physiotherapy) and postural training. Patients will often also be on medication, either through NSAIDs or biologic agents.
The healthcare team of someone with AS is often large and varied from coordinated care with a GP, to allied health such as osteopathy and physiotherapy, as well as specialists for the systemic components such as rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, ophthalmologists and dermatologists.
Osteopathy and AS
The team at Blackburn Allied Health Group can help those with AS improve their mobility and flexibility, address postural concerns and help to reduce pain levels, alongside guidance of an exercise rehabilitation program.
