Leading Rheumatologist Explains an All-Too-Common Condition in Fort Collins, CO
Dr. Michael Thakor, an esteemed, Board-Certified Rheumatologist Medical Doctor, directs his practice, Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinic of Northern Colorado, in Fort Collins, CO. He sees patients daily for Ankylosing Spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinic of Northern Colorado in Fort Collins, CO, explains that ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine. While the exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, it is believed to have a genetic component tied to its onset.
This type of arthritis targets the spinal and sacroiliac joints, where the lower spine connects to the pelvis. Over time, it can lead to painful symptoms in the shoulders, knees, and hips as the body adopts a hunched posture. This condition significantly decreases flexibility and mobility and affects one's quality of life at home, work, and social events.
Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
This condition causes several symptoms, including:
- Inflammation, pain in sacroiliac joints
- Pain in the hips, buttocks, neck, and abdomen
- Stiffness
- Impaired mobility, flexibility
- Digestive upset
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Who Is at Risk for this Condition?
People between the ages of 17 and 35 are the most common demographic for ankylosing spondylitis. Men also tend to have the condition more often than women do. Finally, ankylosing spondylitis tends to run in families, which is believed to be a genetic condition.
Delivering the Correct Diagnosis
Our rheumatologist must perform a physical examination and discuss your symptoms and pain. Unfortunately, no diagnostic test can confirm this diagnosis. However, our doctor may order X-rays of your spine or an MRI showing signs of arthritis.
Treatment Options
The goal of treatment for this condition is the management of symptoms like pain. Treatments provided by our rheumatologist include:
- Exercise to help reduce stiffness
- Physical Therapy, stretching, and strengthening muscle groups of the spine
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Anti-rheumatic drugs
- Steroid injections
Following your treatment plan, you should start to feel better with improved mobility and flexibility. Treatments could be short-term, long-term, or permanent. There is no hard and fast cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Expect possible remissions of symptoms and future flare-ups.