Ankylosing spondylitis
Causes & symptoms
Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include severe pain in the spine, hips and buttocks; they occur in the morning and in the night especially. Many of those who suffer with this disease complain of pain and feeling stiff, whereby movement tends to relieve the pain, but it gets worse at rest. As the disease progresses further, ossification or even deformation of the spine can occur.
Sections of the spine
Furthermore, the disease can cause inflammation in other regions of the body, e.g. eyes, skin and bowel. Those affected are often tired and become quickly exhausted. Their symptoms are usually long-lasting (more than 3 months), but can improve with movement. Unfortunately, sleeping disorders and interruptions are common. The symptoms and the feeling of stiff limbs are strongest in the morning.
What causes ankylosing spondylitis?
The causes of ankylosing spondylitis are currently unknown. However, there seems to be a link with a certain genetic trait, HLA-B27, that is present in many of those affected. That said, there are also many people with this hereditary trait that do not suffer from the chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease; the disease itself is not hereditary. People under the age of 30 are at greater risk of initial symptoms occurring. The immune system of those affected also plays a role: experts assume that previous infections affecting the bowel or the urinary and reproductive system promote the outbreak of the disease.