Axial spondyloarthritis
Causes &
symptoms
Axial spondyloarthritis initially causes inflammation of the joints between the sacrum and ilium. As the disease progresses, it spreads to the spine, with the thoracic spine being most frequently affected. The body mistakenly recognises this inflammation as an injury to the bone and therefore initiates the formation of new bone tissue. This leads to ossification of the affected joints and spine – and this has consequences: the ossifications can restrict the mobility of the spine and also lead to a permanently stooped posture.
Sections of the spine
Furthermore, the disease may cause inflammation in other regions of the body, e.g. eyes, skin and bowel. Those affected are often tired and become exhausted very quickly. They complain about long-lasting symptoms (over 3 months), which improve with movement. As soon as those affected go to sleep, they may, however, experience sleep disorders and interruptions. Pain such as stiffness is most severe in the mornings.
What causes axial spondyloarthrits?
The causes of axial spondyloarthritis are still not completely clear today. There seems to be a link with a certain genetic trait present in 96% of those affected. That said, there a lot of people that have this hereditary trait who do not suffer from the chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The risk factors also include being between 20 and 40 years old as approx. 80% of patients fall ill during this stage of their life. The immune system of those affected may also play a role: experts assume that previous infections, extreme exposure to cold and moisture, and extreme physical or mental strain can also cause the outbreak of the disease.