LOCKED JOINTS: ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
Have you ever heard of a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)? Although it sounds like a rare medical condition; it’s quite common, starting in young adulthood and affects both men and women. In this week’s blog, we will talk about AS and explain how individuals diagnosed with it can live a completely normal life.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
AS is a chronic, inflammatory, arthritic disease that causes pain and stiffness in the joints and ligaments of the spine. AS can affect smaller joints such as the hips and knees; however, classic areas are the pelvic girdle and spine. Over time, AS advances causing the spine and larger joints to fuse resulting in higher levels of pain and spinal curvature changes.
There are no known causes of AS, however, genetics can be a factor. There is a gene known as HLA-B27, but not everyone who has the gene develops AS.
There are several visible features that can show AS on x-rays, but radiographs are not the only tools to confirm an AS diagnosis. The test used to confirm an AS diagnosis is an HLA-B27 blood test.
What is an HLA-B27 Blood Test?
An HLA-B27 blood test is used to confirm the diagnosis of four different medical conditions. They are known as P.E.A.R.
P- Psoriatic Arthritis
E- Enteropathic Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
R- Reactive Arthritis
What Can Be Done to Help?
Patients often think that an AS diagnosis means their lives are over because there is no treatment. You can live a completely normal life with AS by making a list of management protocols. First, patients with AS should consult with a Rheumatologist. They may prescribe you medications but just like any other drug, they are numbing a problem, not resolving the problem.
If you have AS, be sure to do a daily stretching routine. Stretching allows the muscles and soft tissues to stay loose, and it promotes blood flow to healthy tissues. In addition, begin a workout routine 3-4 times a week of mild to moderate intensity exercise. This will further strengthen muscles and bones. As always, consume a healthy diet that provides essential vitamins and minerals for proper body function.
Finally, please see your chiropractor. AS can be a painful condition, especially as it progresses. As bone stiffens, nerves become entrapped and nerve interference becomes present. Starting a chiropractic routine will allow the nervous system to run at optimal levels and will allow the body to move more freely.
At our office, approximately 1 in every 20 patients has AS, so it is a common condition. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we like to give AS patients our Formula 419 supplement because it helps with inflammatory conditions.
If you have any questions about ankylosing spondylitis, please call us at (724) 547-3377 and check out our website at www.laurelmountainchiro.com for more content.
Yours In Health,
Brian M. Steinert, DC
Larry E. Wilkins, DC