What is Rheumatoid Spondylitis ?

Read about  Rheumatoid Spondylitis Disease presented in simple easy to understand language

It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints between the vertebrae of the spine, and the joints between the spine and the pelvis. In other words Ankylosing Spondylitis is Arthritis involving the spine. It eventually causes the affected vertebrae to fuse or grow together forming vertical bony outgrowths called syndesmophytes. The hallmark of Ankylosing Spondylitis is the involvement of the sacroiliac joint. Alkalosis develops in the joints and leads to ossification, affecting the vertebral borders leading to bamboo spine or ankylosed spine. However, 20% to 30% of the patients also have larger peripheral joint involvement. Of the non-spinal joints, the hips are the most commonly involved and to a lesser extent, the knees and shoulders. Involvement of the small joints of the hands and feet, wrists and ankles is unusual. 

Predominant Age and Sex
It occurs in early twenties, rarely occurs after age 40, with the male ratio about three times more than that of females. 

Etiology
The causes are unknown. 

Signs and Symptoms
• Initially low back pain and then subsequently the disease progresses with the back getting fixed. 
• Subgluteal or low back pain or stiffness, that is worse after inactivity. 
• Early morning stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes. 
• Expansion of chest is restricted. 
• Thoraco-cervical kyphosis ( rarely occurs before 10 years of symptoms)
• Acute anterior uveitis, i.e. inflammation of iris and ciliary body of the eye. 

Though the symptoms are variable, but in almost all the cases, the disease is characterized by acute low back pain and a period of remissions. The back pain is usually dull and diffuse rather than sharp and localized. The most common site of pain is deep within the buttock, on one side, or on both the sides. Read More...