What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Description of the disease:

Ankylosing spondylitis or AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and hip joints.

Classification:

Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to the group of spondyloarthropathies - a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the spine joints and ligaments.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of the disease include pain and stiffness in the lower back and hip joints, morning stiffness, and restricted joint mobility.

Causes:

The exact causes of the disease are not fully known, but genetic and inflammatory factors play a role.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis involves analyzing symptoms, X-ray examination, and laboratory tests.

Treatment:

Treatment may include physiotherapy, medication to reduce inflammation, exercises to maintain joint mobility, and in some cases - surgical intervention.

Prevention:

Prevention involves maintaining an active lifestyle, controlling weight, avoiding injuries, and regular medical check-ups.

Doctor:

Ankylosing spondylitis is treated by a rheumatologist or an orthopedic surgeon.