Ankylosing Spondylitis Info

Welcome to ankylosing spondylitis Info web page. This site was designed to provide research, information, and resources for those that suffer, or family members of those that suffer from ankylosing spondylitis (AS). AS can be a painful condition that can often leave those it affects searching for answers and relief.
The purpose of this site is to help those find answers and relief from ankylosing spondylitis. From medical treatments to natural treatments, diet to exercise, as well as a detailed investigation into the latest research on the condition.

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis

Lumbar Spondylosis


Lumbar spondylosis is characterized by osteophytes which are located at the lateral and anterior and sometimes at the posterior aspects of the inferior and superior margins of the vertebral bodies. This type of spondylosis has no symptoms. Patients that have spondylosis of the lumbar region such as symptomatic nerve root impingement will be normally be recommended two days of bed rest. If the symptoms do not subside then surgery is needed. In the absence of complications, medication is not used.


The spine and surrounding tissue become affected when a disc that lies between the spinal vertebrae is compressed. This is what lumbar spondylosis is. The condition is characterized by weakness and pain. The condition can be improved with the correct exercise program which can be devised by a physician or a physical therapist only. However, before embarking on such an exercise program a patient needs to be free of pain. If a patient starts experiencing pain during these exercises they need to stop.


A simple way to strengthen and stretch the spine is by doing knee to chest exercises. This exercise is simple and effective. One needs to lay flat on their back with both legs straight out. Then they need to put their hands behind one thigh and gently pull the leg to the chest while keeping the other leg flat on the ground. The person must hold the position for around 1 minute and then perform the same with the other leg. This exercise stretches the back and hamstring muscles gently.


An exercise such as the above-mentioned ones will work the core muscles as well as the back and abdominal muscles. It is important to strengthen the muscles to prevent injuries to the back and also to improve the posture. Another exercise to strengthen the back muscles and stretch the spine is also effective.


You should start by lying on your back with your knees up. Your feet must be flat on the floor. You need to push your lower back to the floor by pulling the abdominal muscles up and then inward. Hold this position for five seconds while breathing. As long as there is no pain one can do this exercise around eight to ten times.


These are only a few examples of the types of exercises one can perform in order to stretch the spine and strengthen the back muscles. In addition, lumbar spondylosis can be treated holistically by using massage therapy. Massage therapy reduces the pain as this type of therapy stimulates the body’s natural pain relieving functions. Massage also stimulates blood circulation. It will prevent any further degenerative changes in the lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs.


Massage therapy helps to maintain the normal function and position of the vertebral discs. It also helps to prevent osteophytes formation and prolapsed discs. In addition, spinal manipulation is also recommended as an effective treatment for lumbar spondylosis. It involves long lever and low-velocity manipulation. Such therapy releases the entrapped synovial folds. It relaxes the hypertonic muscle and reduces muscle spasms.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain


over the years sacroiliac, joint pain has been difficult to diagnose and has been associated with leg and lower back pain. The sacrum which is a triangular bone that is situated at the bottom of the spine connects to the pelvis. If the joint is disturbed in any way this could cause severe pain. Pain can also be caused if one moves around excessively. It can also occur if a person is sitting for too long.


During the early 20’s sacroiliac, the joint syndrome was commonly diagnosed as lumbago. Pain that occurred in the buttock, legs, and lower back was diagnosed as a sacroiliac joint syndrome. It was not until the late 80’s that doctors noted that the SI joints were maybe the cause of lower back pain. Even today SI joint pain is often misdiagnosed. In order for people to understand their symptoms as well as treatment options, it is wise to have some knowledge of the lower back anatomy. Becoming familiar with the parts that make up the sacral and lumbar spine is quite useful.


In the pelvic region, there are two SI joints that are connected to the tailbone, the sacrum, and to the pelvic bone, the ileum. The sacroiliac joints are connected to the spine and to the pelvic area as well as to the whole lower half of the skeleton. In addition, there is also articular cartilage on either side of the sacroiliac joint surface. It is also present on all the other joints.


There is both fibrocartilage and hyaline on the articular surfaces which rub against one another. These joints also have many large ridges as well as depressions that interlock with each other. These particular joints do not call for much movement and as people age the Sacroiliac joints become stiff. In turn sacroiliac, joint pain occurs. The sacroiliac joints will only move slightly with forwarding flexion and weight bearing, as these are similar to gliding joints.


Any major movement of these SI joints comes from stretching as the sacroiliac joints are viscoelastic joints. The gliding motion of the SI joint is very different from the ball and socket motion which is in the hip, shoulder and knee joints that have a hinge motion. The SI joints act as shock absorbers for the spine by stretching or gliding in a different direction. They also have a self-lock mechanism that aids you while walking.


When weight is transferred from one leg to the other the joints will lock on one side. There are several factors that cause degenerative arthritis which in turn causes sacroiliac joint pain. It is difficult to determine what causes wear and tear to the sacroiliac joints.


However, one of the most common causes known is an injury caused by a fall, a motor vehicle accident or a bike accident. Such injuries can cause strain on the joints and the surrounding ligaments. If the ligaments tear, this can lead to an excessive movement of the SI joint. This can, in turn, lead to wear and tear and cause sacroiliac joint pain.

What is Ankylosis?

What is Ankylosis? This is a joint stiffness due to the normal rigidity and adhesion of joints. It may have occurred due to disease or an injury. Ankylosis is derived from the Greek word anchylosis which means crooked or bent. The rigidity may be partial or incomplete. It could be caused by inflammation of the muscles or tendons outside of the joint. The joint tissues might be damaged and this may cause the condition as well.


A dangerous disease known as noma is common in the sub-Saharan desert. It is typically seen in children that are malnourished. This disease can be the cause of ankylosis which in this instance affects the mandible and maxilla. This, in turn, causes speech impediment and one may not able to eat. There is false ankylosis that affects the outside structures of the joint and true ankylosis which affects the joint from within.


The term complete or osseous is used to describe the condition when the bones are fused together. This is caused by severe inflammation. Many people also suffer from what is known as a frozen shoulder or elbow. This means ankylosis has set in. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, but it can also affect other joints. Ankylosis causes inflammation of the joints in the spine and this, in turn, causes severe discomfort and pain.


Now that you have an answer to the question – what is ankylosis? The advanced stages of inflammation can lead to the new bone formation of the spine which in turn causes spinal fusion. This creates immobilization and can cause a person to develop a forward-stooped posture which is known as kyphosis. In addition to the spine being affected ankylosis can cause pain stiffness and inflammation in the hands and feet, heels, ribs, shoulders and hips.


Ankylosis can also affect the eyes. The effect is known as Uveitis. On very rare occasions this type of arthritis can affect the heart and lungs. A.S. affects the S1 and S2 joints as the disease progresses. These sacroiliac joints are situated at the base of the spine. The main symptom is lower back pain which also affects the buttock and hips. One will also experience stiffness and rigid muscles in the lower back. One may experience fever and fatigue. The sufferer may be tired and may also experience weight loss.


Another one of the signs and symptoms is a stooped posture. The sufferer will find walking or other activities difficult due to the spine becoming rigid. One may also experience breathing difficulties due to the muscles in the ribcage fusing. In addition, pain is prominent in the tendons and ligaments. The condition may also affect the smaller joints such as the ones of the fingers and toes. Another symptom is swelling of the joints which tend to be warm when touched. Eye inflammation is also a common sign of the condition.


Now you know the answer to the question – what is ankylosis? People that have ankylosis can experience pain which can be in the lower back. The pain can radiate from the lower back to the buttock and to the back of the thighs. The pain can be eased by performing some stretching exercises and lying down.
All about Spondylitis
Spondylitis is a form of arthritis which is extremely painful as it involves bones stiffening. This, in turn, limits complete and free movement. The bones virtually lock when a person develops arthritis and the person is unable to move around freely. Once the bones lock one may also experience severe pain. The term ankylosing depicts the popping of the joints due to the stiffening of the bones. Not popping but locking may actually occur. Ankylosing spondylitis (A.S.) is an inflammation of the bones which constitute the spinal column.


Studies have revealed that this condition is a form of arthritis which may be characterized by severe painful episodes whereby a person loses their ability to move. Problems with spinal movement are common. It may also affect the hips. A.S. can affect children younger than fifteen as well as adults. In particular, if there is a history of spondylitis in the family children are at greater risk. Research has also shown that A.S is gender specific as men are more prone to A.S as opposed to women.


The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include inflammation and swelling of the vertebral bones. Tenderness and inflammation occur in the lower back, hips, and neck and may also affect the heels of the feet. One may also experience pain and swelling in the ribcage which in turn may result in breathing difficulties. One will also experience significant pain when performing certain activities especially in cases of overexertion. Another symptom is stiffness which increases with movement. One may experience difficulty in moving due to the joints joining or locking.


Other symptoms such as inflammation and slight redness of the eyes are common. The redness of the eyes is known as uveitis. It will blur vision, especially in bright light. The causes of AS are unknown, but studies have found that there are risk factors such as genetics. People that have AS have an innate gene which is known as HLA-B27 which means Human Leukocyte Antigen B27. Once the antigen becomes activated by one or another environmental factor it will, in turn, become prominent and cause AS.


Individuals that have a known family history of ankylosing spondylitis will be more prone to developing AS. In addition, when individuals test positive for the antigen HLA-B27 their risk of AS becomes far higher. Researchers have shown that lifestyle also plays an important part in developing AS. People that experience high-stress levels are more likely to develop A.S compared to those with low-stress levels.


A weak immune system in individuals can also contribute to A.S. as well as to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes which are triggered by autoimmune factors. With regards to infections being the cause of AS research projects are still inconclusive. The presence of bacteria and bacterial infections may increase the risk of this condition, however.



When it comes to treatment and cures for ankylosing spondylitis to date there is no known cure. Once AS is detected there are certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the joints stiffening.