Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis Discharge Instructions

Ankylosing spondylitis is swelling and soreness of the joints in the spine and pelvis. It is an autoimmune disease. This means the body attacks its own healthy tissues. As the body tries to heal itself, new bone is formed. Over time, the bones in the spine can fuse or join together. This problem often causes pain and stiffness in the lower back area. You may also have problems with your upper back, neck, chest, hips, or shoulders. Sometimes, this problem can affect other areas like the eye or heart valves. It may also cause problems with stiffness in the ribs. This can make it hard to breathe when doing exercise.

Help with pain and swelling

Eye problems − Your eyes may be sore. They may be sensitive to light. You may notice more tears or have blurred eyesight.,Heart and breathing problems − You may have problems with the valves in your heart controlling the blood flow. You may also have an irregular heartbeat or problems breathing.,Compression fractures − Your spine is weaker and the bones may crack a little. You may notice slouched posture. Some people also have nerve damage.,Bowel and bladder problems − You may have nerve damage in the lower spine. This can lead to problems holding urine and stool.

Emergency Medicine,Neuromuscular and Skeletal,Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Speech, etc)

AS,Bamboo Spine,Bechterew Disease,Bechterew Syndrome,Bechterew's Disease,Bechterew's Syndrome,Bechterews Disease,Bechterews Syndrome,Bekhterev Disease,Chronic Inflammation of the Iliac Joints,Chronic Inflammation of the Sacrum,Chronic Inflammation of the Spine,Marie-Strümpell Arthritis,Marie-Strümpell Disease,Marie-Strümpell Spondylitis,Morbus Bechterew,Rheumatoid Spondylitis,Sacroiliitis,Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy,Spondylitis,Spondylitis Ankylosans,Spondyloarthritis,Spondyloarthropathy,Von Bechterew-Strumpell Syndrome

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.