Ankylosing Spondylitis
An arthritic condition that primarily causes inflammation, ankylosing spondylitis, generally occurs in the ligaments and joints of the spine. Usually, these parts enable the body to bend and move. However, those with the condition have difficulties in mobility due to the stiffness the inflammation causes on the spine. More severe cases can even cause the vertebrae to fuse together. The disorder can result in an inflexible and rigid spine when it does. Most people who suffer from the condition experience mild and infrequent episodes of stiffness and back pain, while others may have severe, chronic pain and flexibility loss.
Additionally, other symptoms can develop if the areas become affected by it, such as your ribs, feet, ankles, knees, and hips. As of this writing, ankylosing spondylitis still has no known cure. But many healthcare providers recommend treatments, including medication and exercising, to slow the disease’s progression, improve body position and posture, control inflammation, manage pain, and prevent the occurrence of other health conditions that it may cause, such as fibromyalgia. With the correct treatment, people with the disease can maintain productive lives and keep the symptoms and damage that ankylosing spondylitis can cause at a minimum.
