An inflammatory disease, ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that most often affects the lower back. This eMedTV article provides an overview of this disease, including information on its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Scientists have not yet identified specific ankylosing spondylitis causes. This eMedTV Web page discusses the factors that are thought to play a role in causing the condition and describes risk factors for ankylosing spondylitis.
Certain blood tests can help rule out other conditions when diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis. This page of the eMedTV archives offers a step-by-step look at how doctors diagnose this condition and details about tests that they may recommend.
As this eMedTV article explains, symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis often begin with lower back pain and back stiffness. This Web page examines other possible symptoms of this condition, including eye inflammation and arthritis in various joints.
For people with ankylosing spondylitis, treatment may involve lifestyle changes and medications. This eMedTV segment offers detailed coverage of several treatments for people with this condition, such as surgery and ongoing care.
A few of the drugs used to treat ankylosing spondylitis include aspirin, methotrexate, and celecoxib. This eMedTV article provides an in-depth discussion of ankylosing spondylitis medications, including biologic response modifiers (such as Humira).
