Ankylosing Spondylitis (Marie-Strumpell Disease) Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic condition in
which the joints and ligaments of the back become inflamed and
eventually fuse.
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 help reduce pain and stiffness and help
preserve 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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Physical therapy to help reduce pain and stiffness and help
preserve back mobility
