diagnosis - causes - Treatment
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Welcome to Vida The Spine Clinic, your trusted destination for comprehensive care for various spinal conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis. We understand the challenges and impact that ankylosing spondylitis can have on your daily life, and our dedicated team is here to provide personalized treatment and support. Let's explore the symptoms, diagnosis process, and treatment options available at Vida Spine Clinic.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
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Back Pain and Stiffness
Persistent and progressive pain and stiffness in the lower back and sacroiliac joints are common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. The pain is typically worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
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Reduced Spinal Mobility
Ankylosing spondylitis can lead to limited mobility and flexibility of the spine, making it difficult to perform certain movements, such as bending or twisting.
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Fatigue
Many individuals with ankylosing spondylitis experience chronic fatigue, which can impact daily activities and overall quality of life.
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Joint Pain and Swelling
Inflammation may also affect other joints, such as the hips, shoulders, knees, and ankles, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis
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Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The process may include:
1. Medical History and Symptoms Assessment
Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and family history of ankylosing spondylitis or other related conditions.
2. Physical Examination
The healthcare professional will examine your spine and joints, looking for signs of inflammation, restricted mobility, and tender areas.
3. Imaging Tests
X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans can provide detailed images of the spine and joints, helping to identify characteristic changes associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
4. Blood Tests
Blood tests may be performed to check for specific markers, such as the HLA-B27 gene and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Appointment
Treatment
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Treatment Options
At Vida Spine Clinic, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing ankylosing spondylitis, aiming to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. Our treatment options include
Our skilled physiotherapists will design a customized exercise program to improve spinal mobility, posture, and strengthen supporting muscles. These exercises help maintain flexibility, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall function.
MFR is a manual therapy technique that focuses on releasing tension in the muscles and fascia, promoting pain relief and improved mobility. Stretching exercises also help maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tightness.
Osteopathic treatment utilizes manual techniques to restore balance, reduce pain, and improve function. Osteopaths can provide hands-on therapies to alleviate symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
Matrix therapy employs specialized techniques to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension, promoting tissue healing and improved well-being.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologic agents to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and slow disease progression.
We provide education on self-care strategies