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What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

About This Blog:

  • Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation to the spinal joints, which could lead to severe pain.
  • In addition to chronic pain, this inflammatory disease may cause serious health problems like vertebral disc fusions, and structural abnormalities in the spine.
  • Although there is no cure, Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine discusses what ankylosing spondylitis is, and what treatment options are available to lessen pain symptoms.

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, but can cause chronic pain and stiffness in other parts of the body including the shoulders, hips, ribs and heels. In some cases, although rare, the eyes, lungs and heart may be affected by this condition. Unfortunately, there is no known cause for ankylosing spondylitis, but researchers have speculated a gene called HLA-B27 may be associated with an increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis may include stiffness in the low back and hips that is worse in the morning, or worsens with activity. As time progresses, symptoms may also worsen or change completely. Symptoms that began in the  base of the spine or pelvis, may move to other areas. If this happens, it’s important patients seek the guidance of Dr. Mark Giovanini to determine a treatment plan.

Treatments

Patients should seek treatment for the condition before it worsens. Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis may include pain medication or interventional pain therapies for patients with moderate cases. If the disease progress and causes herniated discs or other spinal conditions, patients may want to discuss minimally invasive surgery with Dr. Mark Giovanini.

Call NeuroMicroSpine today to discuss some of your pain symptoms and whether or not you may benefit from minimally invasive spine surgery.

 For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery or to make an appointment with Dr. Giovanini, please call (850) 934-7545 or visit http://www.neuromicrospine.com/request-appointment. We hope to see you soon!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.