Ankylosing Spondylitis: Understanding the Progression and Importance of Early Treatment
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a type of arthritis, primarily affects the spine's joints. It often begins with low back and hip pain, caused by inflammation. If untreated, AS can worsen over time, impacting various body parts and leading to serious complications like cauda equina syndrome.
AS typically starts with pain in the lower back and hips due to inflammation of spinal joints. This inflammation can spread to ligaments and tendons attaching to bones, leading to enthesitis, which causes pain and loss of function. In advanced stages, AS may cause fusion of two or more spinal bones, limiting flexibility and potentially causing a stooped posture.
The inflammation associated with AS can also affect other parts of the body, including other joints, the chest, eyes, feet, bowels, jaw, and heart. Early on, sacroiliitis, inflammation of the joints between the base of the spine and the pelvis, causes pain in the hips that may radiate down the thighs but not below the knees. Warning signs of a serious complication, cauda equina syndrome, include problems with bladder or bowel function, severe lower limb issues, and pain, numbness, or weakness spreading to one or both legs.
Ankylosing Spondylitis, if left untreated, can lead to progressive damage and complications. Medications like tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, commonly Adalimumab and Secukinumab in Germany, are used to manage inflammation and prevent long-term damage. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent worsening symptoms and potential long-term disability.
