Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (pronunciation: an-kee-low-sing spon-dill-eye-tiss) is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort.
Etymology
The term "Ankylosing Spondylitis" comes from the Greek words "ankylos" meaning fused or fixed, "spondylos" meaning vertebra, and "itis" meaning inflammation. Thus, it refers to the inflammation of the vertebrae that can lead to their fusion.
Symptoms
The most common early symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis include pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Over time, symptoms may progress to include chronic pain and stiffness in the spine and neck.
Related Terms
- Arthritis: A general term for conditions that cause inflammation in the joints.
- Vertebrae: The individual bones that stack up to make the spine.
- Inflammation: A process by which the body's white blood cells and substances they produce protect us from infection with foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
- Chronic Pain: Pain that lasts a long time or recurs frequently.
Treatment
Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing spinal deformity. This can include physical therapy, exercise, and medication. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Wikipedia's article - Ankylosing Spondylitis
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