AS one of the causes for lower back pain among youth

Ankylosing Spondylitis which can bend the spine and neck to an extent, can lead to a structural damage resulting in the risk of immobilizing a person to the effect of them being unable to lift their head high to see forward.

One in 100 adults in India are diagnosed to have AS with approximately 50 -60 lakh Indians suffering from it. Rheumatologists say that a major section of the affected population is left undiagnosed and untreated.

“Close family members of patients with AS are at a higher risk and AS usually affects young men between 20-45 years of age. Back pain caused by ankylosing spondylitis is usually severe at rest and it decreases with physical activity. It is more severe at nights and is associated with a stiff back early in the morning which could usually last for more than 30 minutes. If someone has back pain like the above description they need to be screened for AS,” said Dr C Balaji, consultant rheumatologist, Parvathy Hospital.

The other symptoms of AS includes joint pain usually in the lower limbs. Also, untreated AS could also affect the eyes, heart, kidneys, bowels and lead to weak bones or ultimately fractures them, added Dr Balaji.

While the absolute cause of AS is still unknown, it has a strong genetic link. According to Dr S Ramakrishnan, senior consultant rheumatologist, Apollo Hospitals, “Ankylosing Spondylitis predominantly affects males than females, in the age group of 20 to 40 years. While the pain can be reduced through pain killers and exercises, these do not guarantee long term pain relief and prevention of structural damage.”

“Unfortunately, in India due to lack of awareness about this disease, patients often seek consultation after 6-7 years from the onset of the disease and by this time, patients would have suffered significant physical disability. Early treatment will prevent disease progression and patients will experience a good quality of life,” Dr Ramakrishnan added.