Spondylitis

Inflammatory disease affecting the spine

Spondylitis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Back pain, stiffness, reduced flexibility
Complications	Fusion of vertebrae, reduced mobility
Onset	Usually young adulthood
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Autoimmune, genetic factors
Risks	Family history, certain genetic markers
Diagnosis	Physical exam, imaging, blood tests
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Medication, physical therapy, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can also be involved. It is characterized by inflammation of the vertebrae, which can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. In advanced cases, this inflammation can cause new bone formation on the spine, leading to a condition known as ankylosis, where the bones of the spine fuse together.

Types of Spondylitis

Spondylitis can be classified into several types, depending on the underlying cause and the specific areas of the spine affected:

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): This is the most common form of spondylitis, primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and the spine. It is a chronic condition that can lead to the fusion of the spine.
• Psoriatic Spondylitis: Associated with psoriasis, this type affects the spine and the joints of the arms and legs.
• Reactive Spondylitis: Occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, such as the intestines or urinary tract.
• Enteropathic Spondylitis: Associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spondylitis can vary but often include:

• Chronic back pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back and buttocks
• Pain and stiffness that improve with exercise and worsen with rest
• Reduced flexibility in the spine
• Fatigue
• In severe cases, fusion of the vertebrae leading to a loss of mobility

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of spondylitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The presence of the HLA-B27 gene is a known risk factor, although not everyone with this gene will develop the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of spondylitis typically involves a combination of:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to detect changes in the spine
• Blood tests to check for markers of inflammation and the presence of the HLA-B27 gene

Treatment

While there is no cure for spondylitis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining mobility. Treatment options include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics for more severe cases
• Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength
• Surgery in rare cases where severe deformity or pain is present

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with spondylitis varies. With appropriate treatment, many people can manage their symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life. However, some may experience progressive spinal fusion and reduced mobility.

Also see

• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Reactive Arthritis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Rheumatology and	Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis	Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases	Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases	Behçet’s disease
Bursitis	Giant cell arteritis
Gout	Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems	Lupus
Osteoarthritis	Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis	Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis	Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome	Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis	Rheumatologic diseases