Do you also feel severe pain in your back and hips when you get out of bed in the morning? Does the pain gradually subside after you walk a little and start your day's work? Many people may ignore this, thinking that it is just a normal backache or body ache. However, sometimes this can be an early sign of a condition that requires more attention. Today we are talking about such a condition, ' Ankylosing Spondylitis ' and its symptoms.
Simply put, what is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Okay, this name may sound a bit complicated, but it's not hard to understand. Simply put, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic form of arthritis that affects the spine. "Chronic" means it lasts a long time. The main thing that happens in this disease is inflammation, or swelling, in the joints that connect our spine (we call these vertebrae) and the hip joints.
Imagine what happens if this inflammation continues. Over time, as the body tries to repair this damage, new bone begins to form. As a result, the vertebrae in the spine begin to fuse together, the flexibility of the spine decreases, and the spine begins to straighten. This is the main effect of this disease. But don't worry, if you recognize it early and get proper treatment, you can control this condition very well.
What are the common symptoms?
The important thing is that not everyone with this disease will experience all of these symptoms in the same way. Some people may experience very few symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. Symptoms can also fluctuate over time. Let's break these symptoms down into categories to help you understand them better.
| Type of symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Spine and joint-related symptoms |
|
| Symptoms affecting other parts of the body |
|
| General and systemic symptoms (affecting the entire body) |
|
Remember, the main and first symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis is stiffness and pain in the back in the morning or upon getting up from a long period of rest. However, the pain usually subsides with a little movement.
When should we see a doctor?
If you continue to experience one or more of the symptoms listed above, don't just dismiss it as "this is normal." It is especially important to see your doctor for advice in the following situations: The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and control.
- Long-term back pain: If you have had lower back pain for weeks or months, especially if it is severe in the morning and gets better with daily activities and movement, it is important to tell your doctor.
- Eye changes: If one or both of your eyes suddenly become red, swollen, or painful, or if they are more sensitive to light than usual (e.g., sunlight or bright lights), don't ignore it. This could be a condition called iritis, which is associated with ankylosing spondylitis. So, if you have an eye problem and back pain is also present, tell your doctor.
There is no need to panic when you see these symptoms. The most important thing is to seek proper medical advice and get a diagnosis as soon as possible. Then you can avoid the long-term complications that can arise from this disease, control the pain, and lead an active, normal life.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of chronic (long-term) arthritis that affects the spine.
- The main symptom is back pain and stiffness that occurs in the morning or after rest. This condition is relieved by exercise and movement.
- In addition to back pain, symptoms such as inflammation of the eyes (iritis), pain in the hip joints and buttocks, and unexplained fatigue may also occur.
- If you continue to experience one or more of these symptoms, do not ignore them and definitely consult your doctor for proper advice. Early diagnosis can help you manage the disease better.
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