Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune condition and inflammatory disease, which over time causes the bones in the spine to fuse and become rigid, known as Ankylosis. AS is a form of Arthritis that affects the spine, lower back and sacroiliac joints (joints connecting the pelvic and lower spine). With this condition, the spine becomes less and less flexible, resulting in a hunched posture in some cases. If the ribs become affected by the condition, breathing deeply may become an issue.
What are the symptoms?
Signs and symptoms typically begin in early adulthood.
Symptoms include:
Hip pain
Stiff back
Pain that may recur and go away
Neck pain
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia may be present as a secondary diagnosis
Seek medical attention if you have low back or buttock pain that has progressively worsened. If the pain is significantly worse in the morning or wakes you from your sleep, be sure to get checked out. See a specialist immediately if you are experiencing light sensitivity, blurred vision or have a painful red eye.
Causes
Ankylosing Spondylitis can occur in anyone, although it affects men more often than women. Symptoms usually become evident between the ages of 17 and 45, however some cases are not diagnosed until later in life. Research has shown that AS may have a genetic link so is likely to run in families.
Ankylosing Spondylitis occurs when an overgrowth of bones at the joints causes less flexibility and in turn fusion of such joints.
Unfortunately, Ankylosing Spondylitis has no known specific cause, though genetic factors seem to be involved. In particular, people who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greatly increased risk of developing the condition.
Diagnosis
To diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis, a physical examination will take place, alongside a variety of tests.
Tests may include:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
C-reactive protein
Complete blood count
Blood tests to check for HLA-B27
X-rays, which can reveal both early and more advanced changes to the spine and pelvis
CT scans, create more reliable, higher-resolution images than X-rays
MRI scans, such as an MRI of the sacroiliac joints, can reveal early signs of the condition
How it is treated conventionally?
Exercise is one of the best ways to ease pain and maintain movement. Utilising pain medication and relievers will aid this. Often a cleint with AS will be referred to a pain clinic for medical management of pain. A physical therapist will be able to curate a program to ensure that posture and motion in the joints are kept to a good standard.
Frequently used medications for AS include;
Corticosteroids
Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAID’s)
Immunosuppressants
Biologics
How does Surrey Centre for Nutrition work with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
As with many autoimmune conditions, there is very often significant disturbance to the health of the gastrointestinal tract and I find that targeting gut health and GI balance when working with AS is fundamental to the level of remission we can achieve. Often we see pathogens, specifically certain gastrointestinal infections comorbidly such as Klebsiella in those with AS and working to eradicate infection can be a key to healing.
Alongside this, I always look at reducing any inflammatory mediators present and removing these to reduce the level of systemic inflammation as far as possible. I would typically look at foods in which a client may have immune reactivity alongside chemical and pathogenic immune reactivity. We would also look at removing any foods from the diet which are in themselves pro-inflammatory, and we would support the body’s detoxification systems and enhance detoxification processes.
Are you ready to work with us to reach your health goals?
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms or conditions listed above, Surrey Centre for Nutrition may be able to help. We typically work with clients for 3-6 months depending on your health concerns. Are you interested in working with us?
Book a discovery call to see how the Surrey Centre for Nutrition can help
Please read our medical disclaimer.