Spondylitis, called ''ankylosing'' when there is a complete stiffening is primarily rheumatic inflammation of the spine. When the disease affects the joints of the pelvis, it causes arthritis.
The disease progresses in spurts over a period of 10-20 years. The cause of the disease is not known, however there exists a genetic predisposition.
The first signs of spondylitis usually occur in people aged 20-40 years. The person begins to feel a pain in the lower back, sometimes in the buttocks, and morning stiffness.
When the disease sets in, the main symptoms in addition to pain, are the deformation of the spine and progressive stiffening thereof. Without treatment, the hardening up to a complete loss of mobility of the column, that is to say, the welding of vertebrae.
The disease can progress to the hip joints and feet causing pain when walking. In some rare cases, symptoms can spread to the region of the eye (uveitis) causing pain above the eye.
Spondylitis is treated with medication, rest during a flare and physiotherapy. In the rare cases where there is severe deformity or stiffening of the spine, the doctor may suggest surgery.
30 mai 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |