ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
🦴 Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Spine Stiffness
Expert Rheumatology & Orthopaedic Care by Dr. A. Mohan Krishna
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of chronic arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes inflammation between your spinal bones (vertebrae) and the joints between your spine and pelvis. Over time, this inflammation can cause some of the small bones in your spine to fuse together, making the spine less flexible. 🚶♂️🧱
🔍 Who is at Risk?
Unlike many types of arthritis, AS often starts in younger people, usually between the ages of 17 and 45. It is also more common in men than in women. 👨⚕️📈
⚠️ Common Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop slowly over several months:
Early Morning Stiffness: Severe stiffness and back pain upon waking up that improves with exercise or a hot shower. ⏰🚿
Chronic Low Back Pain: Pain in the lower back and buttocks that comes and goes. 😫
Pain in Other Joints: It can also affect the hips, shoulders, knees, or the places where tendons attach to bone (like your heel). 🦶
Difficulty Breathing: If the inflammation affects the ribs, it may be hard to take a deep breath. 🫁💨
🩺 How Dr. A. Mohan Krishna Helps You
While there is currently no cure for AS, modern treatments can manage pain and keep your spine mobile and straight. 🛡️✨
1. Expert Diagnosis 📸 AS can be tricky to diagnose early. Dr. Mohan Krishna uses a combination of:
Physical Exam: Checking your spine’s flexibility and chest expansion.
X-rays & MRI: To look for signs of inflammation or bone changes in the sacroiliac joints.
Blood Tests: Checking for the HLA-B27 gene, which is common in people with AS. 🧬
2. Non-Surgical Treatment (The Core of AS Care) 💊
Physical Therapy: This is crucial. Specific exercises help maintain posture and keep your joints from stiffening. 🏋️♂️
Medication: Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are the first line of defense. For more advanced cases, Biologics (modern targeted therapy) can stop the inflammation before it causes fusion. 💉
Posture Training: Learning how to stand and sit to prevent a “forward-stooped” posture. 📏🧘♂️
3. Surgical Solutions 🏥 Surgery is rarely needed for AS. However, if a joint like the hip becomes severely damaged, Dr. Mohan Krishna specializes in Joint Replacement to restore mobility. In extreme cases, spinal surgery may be used to straighten a severely curved spine. 🛠️✅
🌟 Stay Active, Stay Straight!
With early diagnosis and the right exercise plan, most people with AS lead full, active lives. Schedule a consultation with Dr. A. Mohan Krishna at Bones and Joints Clinic today. 🤝💨
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🌐 Website: www.bonesandjointsclinic.com