The term ankylosing spondylitis itself is confusing enough, but there are a number of other highly technical medical terms that are used to describe the condition as well.
This disease, while rare, causes a person’s vertebrae to fuse together, which leads to painful stiffness and loss of mobility. Here is a look at seven terms you need to know in order to adequately understand AS.
- Bekhterev’s Disease
This is an older (but sometimes still-used) name for ankylosing spondylitis. This term originates from Vladimir Mikhailovich Bekhterev, a 19th century psychologist and neurologist famous for studying the disease.
- HLA-B27
This is the gene most commonly associated with the development of ankylosing spondylitis. The prevalence of this particular gene varies from demographic to demographic. In Caucasians, it appears in about 8% of people, while only about .5% of Japanese people possess it. Researchers are still unsure as to its role in the AS process, but more than 90% people diagnosed with AS have it.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
This is a class of medications that are commonly used to treat the pain and stiffness associated with ankylosing spondylitis. There are several over-the-counter NSAIDs available, and some of the most common include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. They are used to reduce inflammation between joints.
- Photophobia
This refers to an extreme sensitivity to light. In about 40% of AS patients, there is also significant inflammation in the chambers of the eye, which can lead to symptoms such as this.
- Sacroiliac Joint
This is the joint directly below the spine that connects the pelvis and the sacrum (the triangular bone beneath the spine). This joint is a common source of pain for those suffering from ankylosing spondylitis due to poor posture associated with the condition.
- Spondyloarthropathy
This refers to the class of diseases to which AS belongs. It covers any sort of joint disease that affects a patient’s vertebrae.
- Thermotherapy
This is a form of physical therapy that involves the application of heat to reduce pain and is a common form of treatment for AS. Thermotherapy may help to reduce stiffness between joints, and it can be self-administered at home by ankylosing spondylitis sufferers.
