14

How do I know if I have Ankylosing Spondylitis?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Ankylosing Spondylitis. People who have experience in Ankylosing Spondylitis offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

Do I have Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and eventually leading to fusion of the vertebrae. While it predominantly affects the spine, AS can also involve other joints and organs in the body.



Recognizing the symptoms:



The early signs of AS can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. However, there are some key symptoms that may indicate the presence of AS:




  • Back pain: Persistent pain and stiffness in the lower back, which is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, is a common symptom of AS.

  • Reduced flexibility: Difficulty bending or straightening the spine due to stiffness and limited range of motion is another characteristic of AS.

  • Pain in other joints: AS can also cause pain and swelling in other joints, such as the hips, shoulders, knees, or ankles.

  • Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy is a common complaint among individuals with AS.

  • Eye inflammation: In some cases, AS can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to redness, pain, and sensitivity to light.



Getting a diagnosis:



If you suspect you may have AS, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. The diagnosis of AS typically involves a combination of:




  • Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, family history, and any other relevant medical information.

  • Physical examination: A thorough examination of your spine and other joints will be conducted to assess mobility, tenderness, and swelling.

  • Imaging tests: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans may be ordered to visualize the changes in the spine and joints.

  • Blood tests: Certain blood markers, such as HLA-B27 gene and markers of inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein), may be checked to support the diagnosis.



Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis:



While there is no cure for AS, there are various treatment options available to manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. These may include:




  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents can help reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

  • Physical therapy: Specific exercises and stretching routines can improve flexibility, posture, and overall function.

  • Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to affected areas can provide temporary relief from pain and stiffness.

  • Posture and lifestyle modifications: Maintaining good posture, using ergonomic furniture, and avoiding activities that strain the spine can help manage symptoms.

  • Support and education: Joining support groups or seeking counseling can provide emotional support and valuable information about living with AS.



If you suspect you may have Ankylosing Spondylitis, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with AS.


Diseasemaps
11 answers
A rheumatologist is needed to diagnose the disease as well as evidence on images. Symptoms include pain in the early hours of the morning and pain and stiffness the eases with movement first thing in the morning. Pain reappearing when resting. Pain easing with movements

Posted May 19, 2017 by Kylie Frost 2120
Dr Diagnosis!

Posted May 19, 2017 by Tamra 1750
morning stiffness, lower back pain, eye infections, fused joints

Posted Aug 31, 2017 by BigStu111 12832
Go to a Rheumatologist for testing.

Posted Sep 6, 2017 by Daniel Wilson 2010
Constant back pain was my sign when I went to check it up.

Posted Sep 7, 2017 by Luciano Scariano 2600
See your dr if you have experience morning stiffness in back, neck hips or other moments of inactivity and fatigue.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Sal 4050
By a Doctor and HLB-27 more than stiffness and limited neck movement

Posted Sep 21, 2017 by Rana Navid Anwaar Khan 3945
Sintomi rigidità mattutina per più di 3 mesi
Dolori alla colonna e alle sacroiliache

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Silvia 2500
As said earlier only a team of professional with investigation can give a diagnose.
First maybe it is important to go to see your family doctor, he has all your records and knows you pretty well. He will then acknwoklege and refer you possibly to a specialist like a rhumatologist.

But by talking about the 5 questions:
did the pain last more than 3 months?
did it started before 45 years old?
did the pain get better or worse with exercice?
did the pain wakes up during the night?
did the pain came gradually over time?

It can help the doctor to understand if the pain is related to a possible inflammatory disease.

Posted Feb 16, 2018 by Laeti 3570
You may have symptoms, but your doctor will tell you based on radiographs and blood tests. See a general practioner first and ask for a referral to a rhuematologist. Even if tests are negative, you can still have the disease or a similiar one.

Posted May 31, 2018 by Colleen 2550

Do I have Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Ankylosing Spondylitis?

25 answers
Celebrities with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Celebrities with Ankylosing Spondylitis

5 answers
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis hereditary?

Is Ankylosing Spondylitis hereditary?

12 answers
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis contagious?

Is Ankylosing Spondylitis contagious?

13 answers
Natural treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Is there any natural treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

11 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

ICD10 code of Ankylosing Spondylitis and ICD9 code

11 answers
Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis. How to live with Ankylosing Spondylitis...

20 answers
Ankylosing Spondylitis diet

Ankylosing Spondylitis diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality of ...

23 answers

World map of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Find people with Ankylosing Spondylitis through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Ankylosing Spondylitis community.

Stories of Ankylosing Spondylitis

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS STORIES
Ankylosing Spondylitis stories
Hello.  My name is Guyla Galindo. I’m 62 years old and live in Washington state. I have ankylosing spondylitis (AS), lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic ptsd/depression, and polycystic kidney disease. I remember http://thefacesofankylosingspondylit...
Ankylosing Spondylitis stories
11/01/2015 After a trip to the Emergency Room with severe pain and limited mobility on New Year’s morning of 2013, a visit to my primary care physician and a referral to a bone specialist resulting in a positive test for the HLA-B27 gene marker an...
Ankylosing Spondylitis stories
Starting with oldest to newest diagnosed.  IBS When I was 14 I started having stomach problems. Pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea. The worst was the pain. Went to my primary Dr and he thought it was an ulcer and treated me for that. I...
Ankylosing Spondylitis stories
Not really a story, been having troubles with my back and hips since I was a kid.    And about 2years ago, I finally got diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and have been undergoing treatment for it. Tried a bunch and failed, so always somethi...
Ankylosing Spondylitis stories
Diagnosed in 2003, after having my daughter in 2002. The diagnosis process took sometime to do the differential.  Had much trouble with medications. Allergies in all antiTNF drugs. Last one almost "killed" me.  On and off from painkillers, trying...

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

Ankylosing Spondylitis forum

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS FORUM
Ankylosing Spondylitis forum
Anyone have breathing difficuties? I have COPD and Asthma and with the AS constricting my ribs, it is tough. I do the exercies but.....
Ankylosing Spondylitis forum
I have been recently diagnosed with AS. I believe I have been living with this for over 10 years undiagnosed. I guess I should be greatful to know this all hasn't just been all in my mind and I can hopefully get on the right treatment path but I'm ve...
Ankylosing Spondylitis forum
bonjour , va t il y avoir des nouveaux traitements rapidement ?

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map