Ankylosing spondylitis Mate kōmitimiti iwituararo

We do not know why ankylosing spondylitis happens, but it can run in families. In people with ankylosing spondylitis, 90% of them have a gene called HLA-B27. This does not mean everyone with the gene will get ankylosing spondylitis. A lot of people have this gene and very few get ankylosing spondylitis.

More men than women get ankylosing spondylitis. It usually starts between the ages of 15 and 35.

Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation of the joints between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine.

The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness in your back and neck, which can be worse at night or when you wake up. The stiffness tends to improve once you get moving. The pain usually lasts more than 3 months. Other joints might also have pain and swelling.

There are links between ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis (an inflammatory eye condition) and Crohn's disease (an inflammatory bowel condition).

Eventually, the inflammation in your spine can cause your vertebrae and sometimes your pelvic bones to fuse. Fusing is when bones start to grow together across a joint. This makes your spine much less flexible, so you have a lot less movement in your spine.

What is ankylosing spondylitis? — Arthritis NZ YouTube

Your healthcare provider will listen to your history of symptoms and examine your joints. They will also arrange blood tests and an x-ray.

They may also refer you to a specialist doctor (a rheumatologist) who specialises in joint problems. The rheumatologist may arrange more tests, such as an MRI scan.

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but medication can help to reduce inflammation and manage pain.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and stiffness. NSAIDs include medicines like ibuprofen.

Pain relief medicines such as paracetamol may help with pain.

Pain relief medicines for adults

Biologic medicines are disease-modifying medicines used for treating severe ankylosing spondylitis. The biologics that can be used for ankylosing spondylitis include adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and secukinumab.

My Medicines

Doing exercises to keep your muscles strong and your spine moving easily is an important part of the treatment. A physiotherapist can help with providing a programme suited for you.

Find a physio — Physiotherapy New Zealand

If you have ankylosing spondylitis, it is important and helpful if you:

• keep physically active
• maintain good posture when sitting and standing
• do not smoke
• get enough sleep
• eat well.