Conditions / Diagnoses
Adult Tethered Cord
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Basilar Invagination
Chiari Malformation
Degenerative Disc Disease (Cervical and Lumbar)
Disc Herniation
Facet Joint Syndrome / Facet Blocks
Fibromyalgia
Myelopathy
Osteomyelitis
Osteoporosis / Vertebral Fractures
Osteoarthritis of the Spine
Osteoarthritis of the Peripheral Joint
Platybasia
Radiculopathy (Cervical and Lumbar)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scoliosis
Spinal Compression Fractures
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Tumors
Stenosis
Syringomyelia
Trochanteric Bursitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis that falls into the category of
the spondylarthropathies, or arthritis that affects primarily the spine. In people with AS,
the joints and ligaments that allow normal movement of the back become inflamed, producing
pain and stiffness, usually beginning in the lower back and often progressing into the upper
spine, chest, and neck. As a result of this inflammation, the vertebrae may fuse, causing
the spine to become rigid. Other joints such as the hips, shoulders, knees, or ankles may
also be involved. AS typically begins in the low back and progresses up the spine to the
neck. Deterioration of bone and cartilage can lead to fibrous tissue formation and eventual
fusion or solidification of the spine or peripheral joints.
Symptoms: These inflammatory joint changes ultimately lead to fusion of the vertebral
bodies, that is, ankylosis or stiffening of the spine.
Treatment: Unfortunately, no treatment stops the progression of the disease. Management
of arthritis is aimed toward delaying further deterioration by enforcing good posture, stretching,
and, in some people, wearing braces and lightweight support. The pain and stiffness may be
relieved by analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy also helps
considerably to prevent a stooped posture as the spine begins to fuse. Surgery is rarely
indicated to correct or stabilize extreme spine deformities due to AS.