What is ankylosing spondylitis?

It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, causing stiffness, pain, and potentially leading to spinal fusion, in a gradual process, that can often take years to reach this stage. Understanding how this condition affects the person, as well as what pain management and treatment options are available can help manage this condition effectively.

Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Back pain. Persistent, dull pain in the lower back or buttocks that tends to worsen with rest and improve with physical activity.

Pain in other areas. In time, the pain that starts in the lower back may spread to other regions of the spine or the body, and may also affect the neck, hips, shoulders, and legs.

Stiffness. Stiffness, which often results in reduced flexibility, can appear and be worse especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Fatigue. Chronic fatigue and a general feeling of malaise as a result of going through the day while managing the inflammation that causes other symptoms in the body.

Joint pain. Because this disease starts by affecting joints in the lumbar spine, this inflammation may then affect other joints such as the knees, ankles, and wrists.

Eye inflammation. In some cases, this disease can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to redness, pain, and sensitivity to light (uveitis).

What causes ankylosing spondylitis?

The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not fully understood, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a role. Key factors include:

Genetics. This condition has a strong genetic component, with specific gene variations increasing the risk of developing the condition.

Immune system dysfunction. Ankylosing spondylitis is considered an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.

Environmental triggers. Environmental factors such as infections or exposure to certain toxins may trigger the onset of ankylosing spondylitis in genetically predisposed individuals.

How is treated?

While there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, various treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life. Common treatment options include:

Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy exercise programs and stretching techniques to help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and maintain posture.

Applying heat packs or cold compresses to affected areas can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining good posture as much as possible, avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity, and practicing relaxation techniques.

In rare cases where ankylosing spondylitis leads to severe joint damage or spinal fusion, surgery may be necessary to correct deformities or relieve pressure on nerves.

Spinal decompression exercises to stretch out and relax the spine. These can be performed with a device like the Backrack.

Backrack Spinal Decompression Device

The Backrack, an orthopedic device, utilizes patented technology to safely and effectively relieve back pain, providing long-term relief and prevention from back and hip pain caused by ankylosing spondylitis. Its design ensures it targets the entire length of the spine, alleviating pain in all problem areas. It is 100% natural, comfortable, and free of side-effects. Thousands of people have already seen its benefits, so why not be one of them?

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