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= Spondylitis =
{{Short description|Inflammatory disease affecting the spine}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name = Spondylitis
| image = Spondylitis Tropheryma whipplei.jpg
| caption = Histological image showing spondylitis caused by ''Tropheryma whipplei''
| field = Rheumatology
| symptoms = Back pain, stiffness, reduced flexibility
| complications = Fusion of vertebrae, reduced mobility
| onset = Usually young adulthood
| duration = Long-term
| causes = Autoimmune, genetic factors
| risks = Family history, certain genetic markers
| diagnosis = Physical exam, imaging, blood tests
| treatment = Medication, physical therapy, surgery
| frequency = Common
}}


Spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and, occasionally, the joints between the spine and the pelvis (sacroiliac joints). This condition is part of a larger group of diseases known as spondyloarthropathies, which also includes ankylosing spondylitis, a more specific type of spinal inflammation that can lead to spine fusion over time.
'''Spondylitis''' is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can also be involved. It is characterized by inflammation of the vertebrae, which can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In advanced cases, this inflammation can cause new bone formation on the spine, leading to a condition known as ankylosis, where the bones of the spine fuse together.


[[File:Lectures on orthopedic surgery (1899) (14753585886).jpg|thumb|An X-ray showing ankylosing spondylitis, one of the most common forms of spondylitis.]]
==Types of Spondylitis==
Spondylitis can be classified into several types, depending on the underlying cause and the specific areas of the spine affected:


== Definition ==
* '''Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)''': This is the most common form of spondylitis, primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and the spine. It is a chronic condition that can lead to the fusion of the spine.
Spondylitis involves inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In more advanced cases, the inflammation can lead to new bone formation on the spine, causing the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position, potentially leading to a stooped posture.
* '''Psoriatic Spondylitis''': Associated with psoriasis, this type affects the spine and the joints of the arms and legs.
* '''Reactive Spondylitis''': Occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, such as the intestines or urinary tract.
* '''Enteropathic Spondylitis''': Associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.


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==Symptoms==
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The symptoms of spondylitis can vary but often include:
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== Causes ==
* Chronic back pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back and buttocks
While the exact cause of spondylitis is unknown, genetic factors are believed to play a significant role. The HLA-B27 gene is particularly associated with an increased risk of developing spondyloarthropathies, including ankylosing spondylitis.
* Pain and stiffness that improve with exercise and worsen with rest
* Reduced flexibility in the spine
* Fatigue
* In severe cases, fusion of the vertebrae leading to a loss of mobility


== Symptoms ==
==Causes and Risk Factors==
Symptoms of spondylitis can vary but commonly include:
The exact cause of spondylitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The presence of the HLA-B27 gene is a known risk factor, although not everyone with this gene will develop the condition.
- Chronic back pain and stiffness
- Pain and stiffness that worsens with rest and improves with exercise
- Pain in the hips, shoulders, and other joints
- Reduced flexibility in the spine
- Fatigue


== Diagnosis ==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of spondylitis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRI), and blood tests to check for markers of inflammation and the presence of the HLA-B27 gene.
Diagnosis of spondylitis typically involves a combination of:


== Treatment ==
* Medical history and physical examination
While there is no cure for spondylitis, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options include:
* Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to detect changes in the spine
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain
* Blood tests to check for markers of inflammation and the presence of the HLA-B27 gene
- Physical therapy and exercise to maintain flexibility and strength
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics for those with more severe disease to slow progression


== Managing Spondylitis ==
==Treatment==
Living with spondylitis can require adjustments to daily activities and lifestyle to manage pain and maintain mobility. Regular exercise, good posture practices, and the use of heat/cold therapy can help alleviate symptoms. Support from healthcare providers, including rheumatologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, is crucial.
While there is no cure for spondylitis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining mobility. Treatment options include:


== External Links ==
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
* [https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/ankylosing-spondylitis Arthritis Foundation - Ankylosing Spondylitis]
* Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics for more severe cases
* [https://www.spondylitis.org/ Spondylitis Association of America]
* Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
* Surgery in rare cases where severe deformity or pain is present


== References ==
==Prognosis==
<references />
The prognosis for individuals with spondylitis varies. With appropriate treatment, many people can manage their symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life. However, some may experience progressive spinal fusion and reduced mobility.
 
==Also see==
* [[Ankylosing Spondylitis]]
* [[Psoriatic Arthritis]]
* [[Reactive Arthritis]]
* [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease]]
 
{{Rheumatology}}
{{Arthritis}}


[[Category:Diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system]]
[[Category:Inflammatory diseases]]
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
 
[[Category:Arthritis]]
{{stub}}

Revision as of 02:58, 11 December 2024

Inflammatory disease affecting the spine


Spondylitis
Spondylitis Tropheryma whipplei.jpg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Back pain, stiffness, reduced flexibility
Complications Fusion of vertebrae, reduced mobility
Onset Usually young adulthood
Duration Long-term
Types N/A
Causes Autoimmune, genetic factors
Risks Family history, certain genetic markers
Diagnosis Physical exam, imaging, blood tests
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Medication, physical therapy, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can also be involved. It is characterized by inflammation of the vertebrae, which can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In advanced cases, this inflammation can cause new bone formation on the spine, leading to a condition known as ankylosis, where the bones of the spine fuse together.

Types of Spondylitis

Spondylitis can be classified into several types, depending on the underlying cause and the specific areas of the spine affected:

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): This is the most common form of spondylitis, primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and the spine. It is a chronic condition that can lead to the fusion of the spine.
  • Psoriatic Spondylitis: Associated with psoriasis, this type affects the spine and the joints of the arms and legs.
  • Reactive Spondylitis: Occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, such as the intestines or urinary tract.
  • Enteropathic Spondylitis: Associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spondylitis can vary but often include:

  • Chronic back pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back and buttocks
  • Pain and stiffness that improve with exercise and worsen with rest
  • Reduced flexibility in the spine
  • Fatigue
  • In severe cases, fusion of the vertebrae leading to a loss of mobility

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of spondylitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The presence of the HLA-B27 gene is a known risk factor, although not everyone with this gene will develop the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of spondylitis typically involves a combination of:

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to detect changes in the spine
  • Blood tests to check for markers of inflammation and the presence of the HLA-B27 gene

Treatment

While there is no cure for spondylitis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining mobility. Treatment options include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics for more severe cases
  • Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
  • Surgery in rare cases where severe deformity or pain is present

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with spondylitis varies. With appropriate treatment, many people can manage their symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life. However, some may experience progressive spinal fusion and reduced mobility.

Also see

Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases
Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases Behçet’s disease
Bursitis Giant cell arteritis
Gout Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems Lupus
Osteoarthritis Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis Rheumatologic diseases