Ankylosing Spondylitis (Bamboo Spine)
The spine and the sacroiliac joints are particularly hard hit by ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease. It belongs to the group of diseases known as spondyloarthritis, which triggers inflammation of the joints and adjacent tissues. Asperger's syndrome (AS) typically manifests itself in late adolescence or early adulthood, and it is more prevalent in males than females. It's a progressive illness, so untreated signs and symptoms might get worse over time.
Cause Of Ankylosing Spondylitis:
Although there is no known cause of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), genes and the environment are both thought to play a role.
Genetics: Over 90% of people with AS also possess the HLA-B27 genetic marker, which shows that genes play a big role in how the condition develops. But having the marker does not mean that you have the disease. AS may be caused by more genes than we know about.
Environmental factors: Infections or exposure to certain chemicals in the environment, for example, can cause the immune system to fight the body's tissues. This can lead to chronic inflammation or the development of AS.
Autoimmune factors: The immune system targets healthy tissues, including joints and the spine, in AS, an autoimmune disease. Chronic inflammation damages and fuses joints.
Gender and age: AS is more prevalent in men than in women, and it usually starts when a person is in their late teens or early 20s. But it can happen at any age.
Family history: AS tends to run in groups, which suggests that genes passed down from one generation to the next play a role in the condition.


Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS):
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) symptoms can range from mild to severe from individual to individual. These are the most common symptoms:
Lower back and hip pain and stiffness, which is usually more severe in the morning hours and after sitting still for a long time.
Other joints, including the hips, shoulders, and knees, may also experience pain and stiffness.
Weakness and lack of energy
Loss of hunger and losing weight
Inflammation of the eyes can make them look red, hurt, and sensitive to light.
Inflammation of the spine or chest wall may cause trouble breathing.
In severe cases, long-term inflammation can cause the vertebrae in the spine to fuse, a condition called "bamboo spine." This can make a person stand hunched over and have a big effect on their maneuverability and life satisfaction.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can cause many problems, like:
Spinal fusion: Spinal inflammation causes vertebrae to bond together, making the spine stiff and limiting mobility. This can lead to an awkward, hunched posture that restricts airflow and makes it difficult to perform routine tasks.
Limited mobility: Spinal fusion can make it hard to move the spine and other joints, which makes it hard to do everyday things like get dressed, take a bath, or reach for things.
Eye problems: Inflammation can make the eyes red, hurt, and sensitive to light. Inflammation can sometimes lead to uveitis, a disease that can cause lasting eye loss if not handled.
Cardiovascular disease: Because of the constant inflammation, people with AS are more likely to get heart problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Osteoporosis: The risk of fractures is increased with prolonged administration of corticosteroids, which are frequently prescribed to treat AS.
Psychological effects: People with AS are more likely to experience melancholy, anxiety, and social isolation because of the psychological tolls of living with chronic pain, movement restrictions, and physical changes.