Symptoms of Spondylitis
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 102, Word Count: 516,
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis which is a result of swelling and damage in the joints of the spine and those that connect the spine to the pelvis. As per the Spondylitis Association of America, the accurate cause of spondylitis is still not known; still researchers do know that genetics are part of the equation. Individuals who have a history of AS and those who suffer from gastrointestinal problems are more likely than others to develop this chronic joint problem. Symptoms of spondylitis could become quite powerful at times and are referred to as a flare. People who have AS might also experience periods of reduction when no symptoms are present.
Beginning of Symptoms
The beginning of spondylitis is most common in young adults in their twenties and thirties, however older adults could also show early symptoms of AS. The occurrence of spondylitis symptoms in kids is seldom, but could strike them in their teen years. Men are more likely to develop spondylitis than women. Early symptoms include dull pain which is irregular, but slowly becomes more stable. Pain at night or during periods of rest is natural in the early stages of the disease. Beginning of AS frequently begins with hip pain, rather than back pain, but extends to the back over time.
Back Symptoms
Rigidity in the lower back area and a dull, painful sensation is constant with early back symptoms of spondylitis. An individual with this joint inflammation might feel distress in one side of his/her body, both at the same time or the pain could hit alternate sides at times. The back might feel better when the person bends over, and at times leads to a permanent bad posture when standing or walking in an effort to contain the discomfort. After taking a shower or warm bath in the early stages, the symptoms might drop but often would not provide the same level of relief as the disease progresses.
Eye Inflammation
A kind of eye inflammation called uvetis or iritis is one of the apparently unexpected symptoms of AS. The Spondylitis Association of America estimates that between 30 to 40% of individuals who have been diagnosed with spondylitis show symptoms of iritis. Generally, only one eye is affected at any given time. The eye becomes red, wet and painful and the individual might become more sensitive to light. Vision could be affected as a result of the inflammation of eye. This inflammation could be controlled by using corticosteroid eye drops, available by prescription only.
Relieving Symptoms
Anti inflammatory drugs could be taken to relieve some of the symptoms of spondylitis. Early and more minor cases of the disease could be treated with over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, acet5aminophen and naproxen (generally known as NSAIDs). Symptoms which do not respond to OTC medications or that involve other areas of the body might require more powerful drugs such as corticosteroids. Physical therapy and special exercises to fortify the muscles surrounding the damaged joints could also help relieve painful symptoms of anlylosing spondylitis.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT.
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