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What is spondylitis? Spondylitis (pronounced spon-d-lie-tiss) is the name given to a group of chronic or long lasting diseases also called Spondyloarthritis (spon-dyl-oh-arthritis) or Spondyloarthropathy (spon-d-low-are-throp-ah-thee). These diseases are forms of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affect the spine, although other joints and organs can become involved. The group of diseases in the spondylitis family includes:
Back to top... What kind of doctor treats ankylosing spondylitis? The type of physician who primarily diagnoses and treats ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases is called a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Other professionals can also help treat AS and related diseases such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc. Click here for more information. Back to top... The FAQ Continues Below What is the cause of ankylosing spondylitis? Although the exact cause of AS is unknown, we do know that genetics play a key role. Most individuals who have AS also have a gene that produces a "genetic marker" - in this case, a protein - called HLA-B27. This marker is found in over 95% of people of European ancestry with AS. However, scientists know that other genes, along with a triggering environmental factor, such as a bacterial infection, are needed to trigger AS in susceptible people. Back to top... What is the HLA-B27 gene? HLA-B27 is a perfectly normal gene found in 8% of the general population. Generally speaking, no more than 2% of people born with this gene will eventually get spondylitis. The gene itself does not cause spondylitis, but people with HLA-B27 are more susceptible to getting spondylitis. Back to top... If a parent, brother or sister has spondylitis, and I test positive for HLA-B27, what are my chances of getting the disease? If a family member had spondylitis and you test positive for the HLA-B27 gene, your chance of getting the disease increases to 20%, if you are under age 40. If you are over 40, your chance of developing spondylitis is very low. If you have AS, the likelihood of passing it on to your children is relatively low. There is approximately a 50% chance that the child of one HLA-B27+ parent will inherit the gene, but only a small percentage of those will develop AS. Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed? A thorough physical exam including x-rays, individual medical history, and a family history of AS, as well as blood work including a possible test for HLA-B27 are factors in making a diagnosis. Click here for more information in our AS Diagnosis section. Back to top... Is there a cure? Currently, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Exercise is essential. A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and physical therapy, and good posture practices. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapist. They can help provide modifications to suit your particular needs. Ask which exercises you should do and then check to see that you are doing them correctly. Water therapy, tai chi, and even walking are common forms of low impact exercises that many find helpful. Click here for more information on exercise or click here to view our exercise videos. Back to top... Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section. Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
What kind of doctor treats ankylosing spondylitis? The type of physician who primarily diagnoses and treats ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases is called a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Other professionals can also help treat AS and related diseases such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc. Click here for more information.
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What is the cause of ankylosing spondylitis? Although the exact cause of AS is unknown, we do know that genetics play a key role. Most individuals who have AS also have a gene that produces a "genetic marker" - in this case, a protein - called HLA-B27. This marker is found in over 95% of people of European ancestry with AS. However, scientists know that other genes, along with a triggering environmental factor, such as a bacterial infection, are needed to trigger AS in susceptible people.
Back to top... What is the HLA-B27 gene? HLA-B27 is a perfectly normal gene found in 8% of the general population. Generally speaking, no more than 2% of people born with this gene will eventually get spondylitis. The gene itself does not cause spondylitis, but people with HLA-B27 are more susceptible to getting spondylitis. Back to top... If a parent, brother or sister has spondylitis, and I test positive for HLA-B27, what are my chances of getting the disease? If a family member had spondylitis and you test positive for the HLA-B27 gene, your chance of getting the disease increases to 20%, if you are under age 40. If you are over 40, your chance of developing spondylitis is very low. If you have AS, the likelihood of passing it on to your children is relatively low. There is approximately a 50% chance that the child of one HLA-B27+ parent will inherit the gene, but only a small percentage of those will develop AS. Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed? A thorough physical exam including x-rays, individual medical history, and a family history of AS, as well as blood work including a possible test for HLA-B27 are factors in making a diagnosis. Click here for more information in our AS Diagnosis section. Back to top... Is there a cure? Currently, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Exercise is essential. A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and physical therapy, and good posture practices. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapist. They can help provide modifications to suit your particular needs. Ask which exercises you should do and then check to see that you are doing them correctly. Water therapy, tai chi, and even walking are common forms of low impact exercises that many find helpful. Click here for more information on exercise or click here to view our exercise videos. Back to top... Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section. Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
What is the HLA-B27 gene? HLA-B27 is a perfectly normal gene found in 8% of the general population. Generally speaking, no more than 2% of people born with this gene will eventually get spondylitis. The gene itself does not cause spondylitis, but people with HLA-B27 are more susceptible to getting spondylitis.
Back to top... If a parent, brother or sister has spondylitis, and I test positive for HLA-B27, what are my chances of getting the disease? If a family member had spondylitis and you test positive for the HLA-B27 gene, your chance of getting the disease increases to 20%, if you are under age 40. If you are over 40, your chance of developing spondylitis is very low. If you have AS, the likelihood of passing it on to your children is relatively low. There is approximately a 50% chance that the child of one HLA-B27+ parent will inherit the gene, but only a small percentage of those will develop AS. Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed? A thorough physical exam including x-rays, individual medical history, and a family history of AS, as well as blood work including a possible test for HLA-B27 are factors in making a diagnosis. Click here for more information in our AS Diagnosis section. Back to top... Is there a cure? Currently, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Exercise is essential. A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and physical therapy, and good posture practices. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapist. They can help provide modifications to suit your particular needs. Ask which exercises you should do and then check to see that you are doing them correctly. Water therapy, tai chi, and even walking are common forms of low impact exercises that many find helpful. Click here for more information on exercise or click here to view our exercise videos. Back to top... Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section. Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
If a parent, brother or sister has spondylitis, and I test positive for HLA-B27, what are my chances of getting the disease? If a family member had spondylitis and you test positive for the HLA-B27 gene, your chance of getting the disease increases to 20%, if you are under age 40. If you are over 40, your chance of developing spondylitis is very low. If you have AS, the likelihood of passing it on to your children is relatively low. There is approximately a 50% chance that the child of one HLA-B27+ parent will inherit the gene, but only a small percentage of those will develop AS.
Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed? A thorough physical exam including x-rays, individual medical history, and a family history of AS, as well as blood work including a possible test for HLA-B27 are factors in making a diagnosis. Click here for more information in our AS Diagnosis section. Back to top... Is there a cure? Currently, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Exercise is essential. A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and physical therapy, and good posture practices. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapist. They can help provide modifications to suit your particular needs. Ask which exercises you should do and then check to see that you are doing them correctly. Water therapy, tai chi, and even walking are common forms of low impact exercises that many find helpful. Click here for more information on exercise or click here to view our exercise videos. Back to top... Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section. Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed? A thorough physical exam including x-rays, individual medical history, and a family history of AS, as well as blood work including a possible test for HLA-B27 are factors in making a diagnosis. Click here for more information in our AS Diagnosis section.
Back to top... Is there a cure? Currently, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Exercise is essential. A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and physical therapy, and good posture practices. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapist. They can help provide modifications to suit your particular needs. Ask which exercises you should do and then check to see that you are doing them correctly. Water therapy, tai chi, and even walking are common forms of low impact exercises that many find helpful. Click here for more information on exercise or click here to view our exercise videos. Back to top... Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section. Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
Is there a cure? Currently, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section.
Back to top... How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Exercise is essential. A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and physical therapy, and good posture practices. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top... What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapist. They can help provide modifications to suit your particular needs. Ask which exercises you should do and then check to see that you are doing them correctly. Water therapy, tai chi, and even walking are common forms of low impact exercises that many find helpful. Click here for more information on exercise or click here to view our exercise videos. Back to top... Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section. Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Exercise is essential. A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and physical therapy, and good posture practices. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section.
Back to top... What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapist. They can help provide modifications to suit your particular needs. Ask which exercises you should do and then check to see that you are doing them correctly. Water therapy, tai chi, and even walking are common forms of low impact exercises that many find helpful. Click here for more information on exercise or click here to view our exercise videos. Back to top... Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section. Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapist. They can help provide modifications to suit your particular needs. Ask which exercises you should do and then check to see that you are doing them correctly. Water therapy, tai chi, and even walking are common forms of low impact exercises that many find helpful. Click here for more information on exercise or click here to view our exercise videos.
Back to top... Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section. Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
Why is good posture important? Bone fusion does not occur in everyone with spondylitis, yet fusing in a non-upright position is a valid patient concern. It is encouraging to know that we can influence the pattern of fusion through good postural habits. Click here for more information in our posture section.
Back to top... Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore." Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
Will I become disabled? The severity of AS varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience the most serious complications or have spinal fusion. Some will experience only intermittent back pain and discomfort, but others will experience severe pain and stiffness over multiple areas of the body for long periods of time. According to Dr. Elaine Adams, "Our goal in 2005 is not to allow the postural changes of severe AS to happen anymore."
Back to top... Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: Educational Materials - Books, publications and more on spondylitis About Spondylitis - General overview and in depth information on each disease Patient Resources - Support groups, sections on diet, exercise and more Message Boards - Over 2800 supportive posters in our online community Join SAA Today! and receive valuable materials as well as help fund the fight against spondylitis. Back to top...
Where can I learn more? Here at SAA and on this website, Spondylitis.org, we have a wealth of information available on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Please see the links below for more information: