Is Ankylosing Spondylitis Common?

Have you been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis? If so, treatment from a reputable pain management physician can help relieve the symptoms. St Louis Pain Consultants can help you find the best remedy for your pain symptoms and treat the condition. 

Ankylosing spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spine that causes lower back pain. As the disease progresses, it can impact the neck, shoulders, hips, and buttocks.  

How Common Is Ankylosing Spondylitis? 

According to the Spondylitis Association of America, the condition is more common than thought. The condition is overlooked but remains a common cause of unrelenting lower back pain in young adults. About 1 in 100 Americans suffer spondylarthritis, and 1 in 4 diagnosed with the condition have been forced to change careers. 
  

54% of patients remain undiagnosed for at least half a decade, explaining why ankylosing spondylitis may seem rare. Left untreated, the condition worsens, forcing you to rely on pain medication to remedy the persistent lower back pain. Early diagnosis can help you relieve the symptoms, repair the damage, and heal the condition. 

Who Is Affected? 

Anyone can develop spinal inflammation, but the typical onset age of ankylosing spondylitis is 17 to 45. Early symptoms include pain and stiffness in the lower back region and hips. The pain is more intense in the morning and improves with daily activity. Severe pain can also be experienced after prolonged periods of inactivity. 

Other symptoms include pain in the joint between the pelvis and base spinal vertebra. The condition affects the attachment points where ligaments and tendons join the bones and the cartilage between the ribs and sternum. Over time, ankylosing spondylitis progresses and affects the hips, buttocks, shoulder, and neck, causing pain and stiffness. 

Diagnosis and When to See a Doctor 

If you suffer persistent pain in your lower back and buttock, you should seek a diagnosis from a qualified practitioner. Ankylosing spondylitis pain starts slowly and worsens in the morning or after prolonged rest periods. You may feel better after exercising.  

Diagnosis involves various tests, including medical history review, physical examination, imaging like x-rays, CT scan, and MRI, and blood tests. Consult our specialists immediately if you experience light sensitivity, painful red eyes, or blurred vision. 

Ankylosing spondylitis can result in complications like eye inflammation (uveitis), heart problems, and compression fractures. You may have trouble bending and sharp pain during some movements and postures.   

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment  

Treatment options vary from one patient to the next. Ankylosing spondylitis has no specific cure, but your doctor can help you remedy the pain. Most treatments also aim to slow the damage to your spine, joints, and nerves. The common remedies include medication, physical therapy, and surgery. 

Medications like pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and biological drugs are the prevalent treatment choice. Spinal steroid injections can also be done to help treat pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Our specialists will complete a comprehensive medical evaluation and conduct various tests to analyze your condition and determine the best remedy. They will then devise custom treatments combining pain medication and physical therapy. 

Reputable Pain Management Clinic In St. Louis 

Are you suffering lower back pain that worsens in the morning? St Louis Pain Consultants is here to make you whole again. Our pain management clinic is among the leading and most trusted in the St. Louis Metro and Bi-State area. We specialize in diagnosing and treating the causes of chronic pain and have experienced specialists passionate about helping clients recover. If you have persistent pain, the best solution is to engage our qualified pain management doctors.