Department of Rheumatology, Australia
Short Communication
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Author(s): Dr. Jack Henry*
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that
primarily affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
It belongs to a group of rheumatic diseases known as spondyloarthritis,
characterized by inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. The exact
cause of AS is still unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are
believed to contribute to its development. Common symptoms include
chronic pain and stiffness, limited mobility, fatigue, and joint pain and
swelling. Diagnosis can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms
with other conditions, but a combination of medical history, physical
examination, imaging tests, and blood tests can aid in the diagnosis.
While there is no cure for AS, treatment options focus on managing
symptoms and improving quality of life. These include medication,
physical therapy,.. View More»