Ankylosing Spondylitis - Causes

What causes ankylosing spondylitis?

The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known, but the disease is thought to have a genetic component and appears to happen most prominently in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, with some cases beginning as young as 10. Ankylosing spondylitis also occurs more frequently in males.

In ankylosing spondylitis, long-term inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae and between the spine and pelvis lead to progressive pain and stiffness, and eventually the affected joints become fused together.

What are the risk factors for ankylosing spondylitis?

A number of factors seem to increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. Not all people with risk factors will get ankylosing spondylitis. Risk factors for ankylosing spondylitis include:

Family history
Male gender
Young adults (typically between ages 20 and 40)

INTRODUCTION

What is ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, long-term inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae and between the spine and pelvis. Over time, the affected joints become fused together. The disease is thought to have a genetic component. It generally develops between 20 and 40 years of age and is more common in males (Source: Pub... Read more about ankylosing spondylitis introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis commonly start with intermittent bouts of pain in your lower back, with both pain and stiffness worsening at night, on arising, or during periods of inactivity. Conversely, symptoms frequently improve with exercise. Although pain is initially concentrated in the sacroiliac joints, which lie between the pelvis and spine, over time pain may spread to other areas of the spine.... Read more about ankylosing spondylitis symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is ankylosing spondylitis treated?

The most common treatment for the pain and inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In more challenging cases, some health care professionals prescribe corticosteroid therapy or drugs for their immune-suppressing properties. Other drugs, tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNF-a) blockers, help block a certain inflammatory protein known as TNF-alpha to improve symptoms. If you should not take corticosteroids, your doctor may recommend a cytotoxic drug to block cell growth.... Read more about ankylosing spondylitis treatments