Consequences of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Disease description:
I suffer from ankylosing spondylitis and often experience lower back pain, particularly severe stiffness upon waking up in the morning. My condition has gradually worsened, and my mobility has become significantly restricted. I'm very concerned about what the future holds. How serious can the consequences of ankylosing spondylitis be? I'm really afraid that my condition will continue to deteriorate.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disease that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints, spine, and peripheral joints. The following complications may occur:
1. Spinal stiffness: As the disease progresses, the ligaments and periarticular tissues of the spine gradually become calcified, leading to partial or complete spinal rigidity, loss of normal flexibility, and impairment of daily activities and quality of life.
2. Joint damage: If ankylosing spondylitis is not treated promptly, the most direct consequence is joint damage, causing persistent pain and inflammation. Symptoms may be particularly noticeable in the cervical spine and spinal segments upon waking in the morning.
3. Neck muscle atrophy: Cervical spine problems may progress to cervical arthritis, which can subsequently lead to muscle atrophy in the cervical region. In severe cases, kyphosis of the thoracic spine may develop, affecting normal head movement.
4. Eye complications: A small number of patients with ankylosing spondylitis may develop anterior uveitis, characterized by redness, pain, and blurred vision.
5. Cardiac complications: A few patients may develop aortic valve disease, which can impair cardiac function.
6. Pulmonary complications: Spinal stiffness may restrict chest expansion, impair lung function, and in rare cases, lead to pulmonary fibrosis.
