Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints may also be affected. AS is characterized by chronic inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which are located between the base of the spine and the pelvis. This inflammation can spread to the joints between the vertebrae, resulting in spondylitis.
In severe cases, new bone formations may lead to the fusion of vertebrae sections, causing the spine to become rigid. AS can cause severe back and hip pain and stiffness, although some people only experience milder symptoms that come and go.
The exact cause of AS is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. AS is more common in men than women and usually starts between the ages of 15 and 40.
There is no cure for AS, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing. One important treatment is diet. Eating a healthy diet can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may help to relieve symptoms of AS.
In this quick start guide, we will cover the following:
What causes AS?
What are the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
How is AS diagnosed?
Who is at risk to have AS?
What are the treatments for AS?
How to prevent AS?
How to manage AS through diet?
Let's get started!
