Ankylosing Spondylitis

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Orthopedic

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Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic type of inflammatory arthritis that causes stiffness and back pain. Ankylosing spondylitis is a serious autoimmune condition that belongs to a family of diseases called the seronegative spondyloarthropathies, which includes arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and reactive arthritis.
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What is Ankylosing Spondylitis? <p> Rheumatologist, discusses ankylosing spondylitis.</p>

Rheumatologist, discusses ankylosing spondylitis.
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True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Quiz: Do You Understand Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions

True

False

0

If you have ankylosing spondylitis the body doesn't attempt to repair your lower back by growing new bone.

Explanation:

Similarly to osteoarthritis, if you have ankylosing spondylitis the body attempts to repair your lower back by growing new bone, which often grows across the joint and may even become fused.

1

Pain and stiffness in the tendons is a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis.

Explanation:

Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include pain and stiffness in the joints in the lower back, spine, hips, knees, shoulders, ligaments and tendons.

2

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation from ankylosing spondylitis won't cause permanent damage to the joints.

Explanation:

Over time, the inflammation from ankylosing spondylitis can cause permanent damage to the joints.

3

Biologics may be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis.

Explanation:

Ankylosing spondylitis treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics.

4

Ankylosing spondylitis is not linked to heart disease.

Explanation:

Since having AS is linked to heart disease, it’s important to monitor and/or lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Causes & Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis

As mentioned above, the exact cause of AS isn’t known. As with many other diseases, it is thought that genetics has a role in who will develop ankylosing spondylitis.Approximately 9 out of 10 people with AS have a gene called HLA-B27. While many people who have this gene never develop the disease, it does increase someone’s chances of developing ankylosing spondylitis. In treatment your pharmacist, is the right HCP to make sure it’s the right medication for you.