The cause of AS is unknown, but genes are thought to play a role. You are more likely to get AS if you have a history of it in your family. Most people with AS have the gene called HLA-B27, however, this gene can also be found in people who don't have AS.
Whether it's through physical therapy or on your own, dedicating time to stretching is key. “We recommend making sure that you maintain your flexibility,” says Dr. Elghawy. “And so doing with physical therapy or flexibility exercises on your own for your low back can provide a lot of relief.”
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of reactive arthritis following Klebsiella infection, usually occurring in an HLA-B27-positive individual.
Abstract. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is probably produced by repeated episodes of Klebsiella-reactive arthritis, usually in HLA-B27-positive individuals. This concept is based on immunological, microbiological and serological considerations.
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms most often begin before age 40, with some people experiencing symptoms before age 16. In teenagers or younger, it's called juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than women.
The pain typically worsens during periods of rest or inactivity, which may cause some people to experience more pain during the middle of the night or after prolonged sitting. Usually, moving and exercise can help improve pain. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary from person to person.
Your doctor or rheumatologist may recommend a couple of things to slow or manage your ankylosing spondylitis (or risk of it). These include: An overall healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and stretching. Physical therapy.
Several studies highlighted that vitamin D deficiency is more frequent in patients with AS than in healthy controls (Table 1). In a study from Israel, vitamin D levels were shown to be lower in patients with AS than in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Calcium and vitamin D
One study claims people with ankylosing spondylitis have lower vitamin D levels (ix), while another suggests that having high levels of vitamin D may reduce the activity of the ankylosing spondylitis, as well as reduce the risk of developing the condition (x).
Some foods can trigger ankylosing spondylitis, so it's important to avoid certain foods to prevent inflammation. These include foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar; processed foods, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and others.
Exercise, particularly stretching and weight-bearing activities, can protect against joint damage, according to the SAA. It can also help prevent some of the stiffness that comes with ankylosing spondylitis.
Don't do movements that cause pain
Any exercise that requires you to twist your spine too much or that stresses your back and spine could cause problems, Arthritis Research UK notes. Carefully consider high-impact exercises, such as running, or jarring and twisting sports, such as tennis, squash, and racquetball.
Joint stiffness with ankylosing spondylitis typically worsens with lack of movement, especially upon waking in the morning.
"I recommend exercise for all of my patients with ankylosing spondylitis who can tolerate it," he adds. Whether you prefer taking a daily walk or going for a regular swim, it's important to perform low-impact exercises every week.
Can the Weather Affect Ankylosing Spondylitis? Factors such as cold weather, humidity, high heat, and wind may act as triggers that change or even worsen symptoms. Treatment and a healthy lifestyle may help offset the effects of these changes.
"B27 disease" is a new autoimmune disease that afflicts millions of people throughout the world. "B27 disease" occurs in individuals who have ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or preankylosing spondylitis and/or uveitis and are also positive for HLA-B27.
Some people with AS are able to remain fully independent or minimally disabled in the long term. However, some people eventually become severely disabled as a result of the bones in their spine fusing in a fixed position and damage to other joints, such as the hips or knees.
If you're still looking for answers to your AS symptoms, your doctor may talk with you about the latest treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors earned the Food and Drug Administration's green light for ankylosing spondylitis in 2021.