by Mrs. Rogers

Created on: March 01, 2009

Spondylitis is a type of arthritis. It primarily affects joints in the spine and back. The joints and ligaments should allow the back to move normally, without any stiffness, or pain. But when someone has this type of arthritis, the ligaments become inflamed and they are full of stiffness and cause a great deal of pain.

Spondylitis is common more in men than in women. It frequently is diagnosed in patients that are between the ages of 16 and 30. When women develop the disease usually they have milder symptoms. Usually they will experience some symptoms but with not so permanent or lasting disfigures. There is more than 350,000 Americans that have this type of arthritis. Causes are not known yet, and are believed to be hereditary.

Inflammation in spondylitis, begins in the lowert back and develops slowly, usually over weeks or even months. Eventually a vertebrae will fuse or grow together, causing the neck or spine to lose its flexibility, and become more rigid. If a rib cage fuses then it makes it difficult to breathe, because the chest cannot expand.

Neck, shoulders, hips, and knees can also be affected when you have spondylitis. This type of arthritis is a systematic disease and it can affect other organs in the body. Symptoms include, fever,loss of appetite,inflammation of the lungs, heart, eyes, and fatigue. These can be diagnosed through physical activity and a physical examination. There are blood tests also to see if the patient has a certain gene, HLA-B27. This gene is only in 90 percent though of people with this type of arthritis.

Medications such as NSAID or DMARD's may reduce inflammation because they are sulfasalazines and methotrexates. Good posture, and learning good body positions like when sleeping , sitting and walking, are good to know and practice as well. Assisting devices can also help person who has spondylitis, to perform everyday or common activities ,especially if joints are fused.

If you or a family member has signs that might be similar to that of a spondylitis patient, then you should seek professional help, or advice. Today there are so any ways to help sufferers of arthritis, and especially certain types of arthritis. Today there is devices, and medications that help make life tolerable and more comfortable than in times past. Just because you have spondylitis, does not mean your life can not be profitable or more comfortable.

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