All You Need to Know about Spondylitis

QI Spine Clinic, 7 months ago

Spondylitis or Spondyloarthritis is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic conditions resembling arthritis that affect joints, the spine, and the sacroiliac region. It’s an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the affected area, distinguishing it from Spondylosis, which is non-inflammatory in nature. It’s crucial to educate yourself about Spondylitis, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, especially if you are experiencing similar symptoms. Let’s explore the subject in-depth.

What is Spondylitis?

Both Spondylitis & Spondylosis may sound similar but they are two different sets of diseases. Also known as Spondyloarthritis (SpA), Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the affected joints or spine. It occurs when the immune system attacks the affected region, leading to excess bone formation or bone fusion. Spondylitis can affect the back, joints, digestive system, heart, skin, and even the eyes, depending on the type of spondyloarthritis you might have.

ertain types of spondyloarthritis can affect teenagers and younger people with the symptoms showing up before age 45. An estimate by GlobalData highlights there were 1.65 million cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis as of H1 2021 and the number is expected to reach 2 million in 2028.

Spondylosis Vs. Spondylitis

Spondylitis is an auto-immune group of diseases wherein the immune system attacks affected joints, bones, or other regions causing inflammation, bone formation, and bone fusion. It can trigger Enthesitis, which is a condition that causes inflammation at the points where ligaments, joint capsules, and tendons insert into the bone.

Spondylosis, on the other hand, is an age-related arthritis caused due to wear and tear of the spine. Here, the affected bones, joints or disks degenerate thereby limiting spinal movements. It is also called spinal osteoarthritis and affects the neck, middle of the spine, and lower back. Unlike Spondylitis, Spondylosis isn’t inflammatory.

What Causes Spondylitis?

There’s no definitive answer behind what causes Spondylitis, however, researchers have linked the disease with 113 different gene locations that contribute to Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a common type of SpA.

Those with genital, bladder, and intestinal or any bacterial infection are at a higher risk of developing reactive or enteropathic arthritis. Similarly, those with inflammatory bowel diseases (IDB) are much more likely to develop enteropathic arthritis too. Note that some of the aforementioned causes including the abundant gene locations detected can contribute to other types of Spondylitis. Ill-managed stress can trigger or worsen certain types of SpA as well.

Types of Spondylitis

Spondylitis has six different subtypes under two major types as per the new classification system – Peripheral and Axial Spondyloarthritis.

Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA)

AxSpA is classified as inflammation and pain in the spine, pelvis, or both. It causes joint and bone changes that can be viewed in X-ray or other types of scans. It includes SpA types with and without any fused joint.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

AS is the most common type of SpA. It is characterized as a chronic joint inflammation that affects the spine primarily. The term ‘Ankylosis’ refers to the stiffness caused by fused vertebrae leading to limited movement.

Peripheral Spondyloarthritis (pSpA)

Unlike AxSpA, pSpA affects the tendons and joints outside the spine and sacroiliac joints located in the pelvis region affecting the movement of hands, elbows, wrists, shoulders, knees, ankles, and feet. It can lead to enthesitis or inflammation of fingers and toes.

Reactive Arthritis (ReA)

ReA is a type of spondylitis that typically appears several days or weeks following sexually transmitted or gastrointestinal or certain kinds of bacterial infection such as Salmonella.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

PsA is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes back pain and stiffness. It is accompanied by itchy rashes and patchy scales on the skin. It also causes swelling in smaller joints such as toes and fingers.

Enteropathic Arthritis (EnA)

This is a type of Spondylitis wherein the pain and inflammation is in the intestines. Its symptoms include stomach pain, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and blood in bowel movements.

Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (JSpA)

Juvenile Spondyloarthritis or JSpA is a type of spondyloarthritis that affects children and teenagers and thus, the name. It usually affects joints in the leg with one limb experiencing more effects than the other. It is accompanied by symptoms such as inflammation and pain in the spine and joints.

Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis

This type of Spondylitis is undifferentiated as it doesn’t comply with the criteria for diagnosis for any of the forms of SpA mentioned above. Its symptoms include dactylitis, buttock pain, heel pain, eye inflammation, back pain, etc, and it may not have the same symptoms as other types.

Diagnosis

If you are suffering from any of the aforementioned symptoms, your doctor will assess your medical history and perform a physical exam. He/she will prescribe a series of tests that may include X-rays, MRIs of the hip, back, and pelvis, blood tests to find signs of infection or inflammation among others. The diagnostic method may differ on a case-by-case basis. Based on the inputs, the doctors should be able to confirm the presence of spondylitis, determine its type, and establish a treatment plan.

Symptoms and Treatment of Spondylitis

Depending upon the type of SpA you are experiencing, the symptoms can vary. The most common type is Ankylosing Spondylitis that has symptoms ranging from feeling fatigued, back pain, stiffness, swelling, and pain in the body due to inflammation. Reactive Arthritis has symptoms that range from conjunctivitis, swelling, and pain in the joints, to inflammation in the bladder and genitals when urinating commonly known as urethritis.

Psoriatic Arthritis can cause fatigue, swelling of fingers and toes, eye pain, and reduced range of motion, among other symptoms. Peripheral SpA (pSpA) can lead to inflammation and pain in the feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands, among other areas, while Axial SpA (AxSpA) can trigger pain and inflammation in the pelvis, the spine, or both.

When it comes to treatment for Spondylitis, there’s no cure for the condition. However, there are treatment plans that can help manage the conditions and subside the symptoms, especially pain and inflammation.

Certain movements can help relieve stiffness and pain in the joints. Breathing techniques can help ensure normal chest expansion. Spinal manipulation and massages can help improve spine flexibility among others. Home remedies that you can include are warm baths, infrared sauna, support braces and bandages, and a balanced diet. Avoid alcohol and smoking as it may contribute to the condition.

Wrapping Up!

Spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that can cause pain and inflammation in the affected joint. It has no definitive cure at the moment. However, fortunately, there are treatment plans available that can help patients alleviate symptoms.

We at QI Spine have helped more than 12,000 patients escape the clutches of surgeries and, instead, opt for non-invasive yet highly effective treatment plans. You can connect with us at 086558 85566 to know how we can assist you in reclaiming a healthy, pain-free life. Your first consultation is on us.