Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of Arthritis, It is a condition that mainly affects the spine. The joints of the neck, back and pelvis become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness. The sacroiliac joints are commonly affected in AS. These joints connect the base of your spine (sacrum) to your pelvis. Other joints, such as the hips and shoulders, can also be involved. AS can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, skin, bowel and lungs. The symptoms of AS usually begin between the ages of 15 and 45 years.
CAUSE:-
• It is not known what causes IT. Unlike other types of back pain, it isn’t caused by particular jobs, activities or injuries. You are more likely to get it if you have a history of it in your family. There is a gene called HLA-B27 that is associated with it. Almost nine out of ten people with it test positive for this gene. Recently, two new genes (IL23R and ARTS1) have also been found to be associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
TREATMENT:-
• Currently there is no cure for AS. However treatment for AS has improved dramatically, with new medicines that are extremely helpful in controlling the condition. Be wary of any products or therapies that claim to cure.
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