Spondylitis

Specialty of Rheumatology

Spondylitis, also known as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid spondylitis and morbus Bechterew, is an inflammatory joint disease of the spine and sacroiliac (at the junction of the pelvis to the spine). The first symptoms of the disease are back pain and stiffness, which can also affect the cervical and dorsal spine, pain or swelling in the buttocks. The consequences are loss of mobility and progressive joint deformity, and some patients have eye inflammation and abnormal heart valves. Besides, sometimes spondylitis precedes another inflammatory bowel disease. Currently there is no cure but there are treatments that combine medication and physical therapy to alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.

Spondylarthropathies

Articles related to

A pain in the back: what is ankylosing spondylitis?

By Professor Robert John Moots
2019-02-16

Back pain is a common problem that many of us will experience in our lives. It can have a variety of causes, from a slipped disc to muscle strain. Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic (long-term) condition that can cause pain and inflammation and eventually leads to the bones in the spine fusing together. Renowned rheumatologist Professor Robert Moots explains this condition. See more