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Ankylosing Spondylitis

Chronic Inflammatory Spondyloarthritis

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

A chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial skeleton.

HLA-B27 positive in ~85% of patients; typically presents in young adults with insidious inflammatory back pain.

Progressive bony ankylosis can produce the characteristic 'bamboo spine' on imaging.

Peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, uveitis, and inflammatory bowel disease are extra-axial features.

Symptoms

Inflammatory back pain >3 months, improving with activity, worse with rest
Morning stiffness >30 minutes, especially in lumbar spine
Alternating buttock pain (sacroiliitis)
Enthesitis (Achilles, plantar fascia) and peripheral arthritis
Anterior uveitis (recurrent, unilateral)
Restricted chest expansion and reduced spinal mobility

Risk Factors

HLA-B27 positivity and family history
Male sex (3:1 male predominance)
Age of onset 15–35 years
Associated inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis
Genetic predisposition (ERAP1, IL-23R polymorphisms)
Smoking (worse radiographic progression)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Inflammatory back pain in young adult with prolonged morning stiffness
  • New eye inflammation or recurrent uveitis
  • Progressive spinal stiffness or loss of height

Treatment Methods

01
Daily spinal mobility exercise and posture-focused physiotherapy (cornerstone)
02
NSAIDs as first-line pharmacologic therapy
03
TNF inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors for inadequate NSAID response
04
Smoking cessation and cardiovascular risk reduction
05
Aquatic therapy, stretching of hip flexors, and thoracic extension
06
Regular monitoring of spinal mobility (occiput-wall, Schober, chest expansion)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.