Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in English is a type of arthritis that affects the joints of the spine. This disease usually occurs in the sacroiliac joints (where the lower spine joins the pelvis). This disease causes the usual symptoms of arthritis such as pain and stiffness, but it can also cause weight loss and weight loss. Doctors sometimes call it axial spondyloarthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) also affects the joints where the base of the spine connects to the pelvis (the sacroiliac joints). In less common cases, ankylosing spondylitis can also affect other joints, including the shoulder, hip, and knee. This disease causes pain and stiffness. ### What are the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?.. Each person with ankylosing spondylitis experiences a unique combination of symptoms.... Back pain from sacroiliitis (painful inflammation of the sacroiliac joints) is the most common symptom of AS.... Pain can spread (radiate).... You may also experience other types of pain, including: - Buttock pain - Pain in the buttock area (buttocks) - Neck pain - Abdominal pain (stomach) Other symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis may include: Stiffness or difficulty moving the hips and lower back (especially in the morning or after resting for a long time in one position) - Fatigue (feeling constantly tired) - shortness of breath (shortness of breath) Unexplained loss of appetite or weight loss - Diarrhea - Skin rash - Vision problems ### What causes ankylosing spondylitis?.. Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease.... Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body instead of protecting it.... Experts are not sure what causes ankylosing spondylitis.... Studies have shown that certain genetic mutations are closely related to AS.... Genetic mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that a mutated sample occurs when cells divide excessively. Anyone can develop ankylosing spondylitis, but certain groups are at higher risk, including: - People under the age of 40 (more than 80% of people with AS are diagnosed around the age of 30) .... - Men - People who have a first-degree relative (especially a parent) with AS. People with certain diseases are also more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis, including: - Crohn's disease - Ulcerative colitis - Psoriasis ### What are the complications of ankylosing spondylitis?.. People with ankylosing spondylitis are at increased risk for vertebral fractures (breaks in the bones of the spine)... Other complications can include: - Vertebral fusion (connecting the bones of the spine to each other) - Kyphosis (curvature of the spine forward) - Osteoporosis - Eye and vision problems such as uveitis or sensitivity to light - Heart problems, including aortitis, arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy - Nerve damage Diagnosis and tests ### How does Dr. Homan Cookby diagnose ankylosing spondylitis?.. **Dr. Homan Cookby** diagnoses ankylosing spondylitis by doing a physical exam... He examines your body and talks about your symptoms.... ### What tests are used to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis?... There is no test that can confirm the diagnosis of AS.. - X-rays of the joints Sacroiliac and spine to check for arthritis symptoms Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which shows more detail than X-rays - Blood test to check the HLA-B27 mutated gene Management and treatment ### How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Dr. Homan Cookby recommends treatments to manage symptoms and reduce their impact on daily life. Common treatments for ankylosing spondylitis include: - **Exercise**: Regular physical activity can reduce stiffness and prevent the progression of AS.... Many people experience more pain when inactive... A physical therapist can suggest specific stretching exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the back and spine...they reduce inflammation....consult Dr. Homan Kokby before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for more than 10 days. do.... - **corticosteroids**: these are prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.... may need injections... have cortisone (direct injection of cortisone into affected joints).... - **Surgery**: surgery is rarely needed to treat AS.... Dr... Homan Cookby usually only suggests surgery when symptoms are severe and unresponsive to other treatments.... ### When to feel better Do you?... Once you start treatment, you should get better soon.... Your symptoms may not go away completely, but they will improve with effective treatments.... Ask Dr. Homan Cookby when you can expect improvement.... Exercise and physical therapy is a gradual process. manage for the rest of your life....some people with AS experience periods of remission where the symptoms are less or less severe....even if you don't have symptoms for a while, there is always a chance that they will return..the pain is not permanent....talk to Dr. Homan Kokbi, the best orthopedic surgeon in Tehran about your feelings....tell them how much your symptoms are affecting your ability to do the activities you love....living with ankylosing spondylitis ### How do I take care of myself? In addition to following an AS treatment plan, you can take steps to reduce inflammation in the body and stress on the joints: - Set up a healthy diet and exercise program for yourself... - Limit alcohol consumption... - Quit smoking... See a doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms.. If you feel that treatments are not managing your symptoms well, talk to your doctor... See your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: - Chest pain - Difficulty in breathing - Vision problems - Severe back pain or pain in other joints - Feeling of unusual stiffness or dryness in the spine Unreasonable weight loss #### What questions should I ask Dr. Homan Kokbi? The questions you can ask Dr. Homan Kokbi are: - Do I have ankylosing spondylitis or another type of arthritis? - Do I need a genetic test? What treatments manage my symptoms? - Do I need physiotherapy? ### An important point Managing any type of arthritis can be frustrating....If you have ankylosing spondylitis, it's a real pain in the back....pain, stiffness, and other symptoms can affect your daily energy level, but the good news is that AS is manageable.... Dr. Homan Cookby will help you find treatments that will reduce the impact of your AS symptoms or ask the best questions about your daily treatment....your feelings...