Ankylosing Spondylitis: Men more likely to be affected than women

Indore. In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of ASamongst young Indians in the age group of 20-30 years[1].

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an irreversible, inflammatory and autoimmune disease that affects the spinal cord. In AS, an overgrowth in the spine’s bones causes them to fuse together to form a rigid spine. Prevalent amongst 1 in 100 of the adult population, AS more commonly affects young men, especially in their teens and between their early twenties and thirties.

The condition can impact bones of the neck, back, inner thighs, hips and can severely disrupt mobility and cause damage to the posture. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can bend the spine and neck to an extent that it may become impossible for one to lift their head high enough to see forward. This is known as ‘structural damage progression,’ and it could disable patients to an extent of becoming wheelchair bound.

Dr. Ashish Badika, Rheumatologist, Arthirtis, Immunology and Rheumatology Centre, Indore, says “About 6 to 7 percent of young people are suffering from AS, more commonly men than women. Ankylosing Spondylitis is an autoimmune condition.

While the cause remains unknown, AS is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In my clinical experience, more than 90 per cent of those affected have the HLA-B27 gene, which is the gene responsible for AS.

This means that one can easily be at the risk of AS if their parent or sibling has the condition.  If someone is suffering from constant back pain and stiffness in the joints in the morning and evening along with inflammation, it could be AS.

Such signs should not be ignoredas delay in treatment could lead to permanent disability. It is best to consult your rheumatologist and find out the most effective lifestyle changes and treatment options.”

In AS, the pain occurs usually during mornings, especially 30-45 minutes after waking up and can last up to 90 days or more despite taking painkillers. AS is generally diagnosed through physical examination, X-Ray, MRI and a series of blood tests.While the HLA-B27 gene is not the absolute cause of AS, it can contribute to it.

The most common challenge in AS patients is their approach to focus only on pain relief, instead of seeking treatment to prevent or delay the structural damage progression. While painkillers help ease inflammation and accompanying pain, medical experts also recommend newer and advanced treatment options, such as a certain category of biologics, to help slow down structural damage progression.

In addition to medical treatment, patients are advised physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, exercise and posture modification to improve their quality of life.