Untreated Ankylosing Spondylitis: Potential Dangers, Consequences, and Remedies
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the axial skeleton, including the spine, pelvis, and sacroiliac joints. If left untreated, AS can lead to several complications that significantly impact a person's overall well-being.
Progressive Spinal Damage
Untreated chronic AS can result in spinal deformities and functional impairment, including excessive forward curvature of the spine (kyphosis) and difficulty moving the spine. In severe cases, this can produce a rigid, brittle spine, known as "bamboo spine," leading to permanent spinal stiffness and loss of movement.
Beyond the Spine
The inflammation from untreated AS can also cause complications beyond the spine. For instance, it increases the risk of spinal fractures due to spine brittleness and osteoporosis caused by chronic inflammation. Reduced lung function may occur from chest wall and rib cage stiffness, making deep breathing difficult and leading to shortness of breath.
Uveitis, inflammation in the eye, is another complication of AS that affects up to half of those with the condition. Untreated uveitis can lead to partial or complete vision loss.
Moreover, AS is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and heart failure due to vascular inflammation. Gastrointestinal issues, such as inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, are also more common in people with AS.
Importance of Early Treatment
Early and ongoing management—including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments—is essential to prevent or minimize these long-term effects and improve patients’ quality of life. Timely and appropriate management aims to slow the progression of AS, prevent structural damage to the spine, and minimize the risk of complications.
Consulting a healthcare professional ensures appropriate evaluation, guidance, and personalized care for individuals with AS. Regular follow-ups with a doctor, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
It's essential to note that not everyone with the HLA-B27 gene, a genetic marker associated with AS, develops the condition. Genetic predisposition likely varies by ethnicity, geographic location, and more.
Conclusion
Untreated chronic AS can lead to joint and ligament damage, affecting the spine, sacroiliac joints, shoulders, hips, knees, and heels. These manifestations significantly impair quality of life by causing chronic pain, reduced mobility, breathing difficulties, visual problems, and systemic health risks. Without treatment, these effects worsen progressively, leading to disability and life-threatening complications.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you experience persistent and worsening pain or stiffness in the back, buttocks, or joints, or develop symptoms of an AS complication, such as eye problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, or worsening AS symptoms. Early and effective treatment can help manage the condition, improve your quality of life, and prevent long-term complications.
- Untreated Ankylosing Spondyliitis (AS) can lead to bone-related complications, such as a higher risk of spinal fractures due to spine brittleness and osteoporosis caused by chronic inflammation.
- Beyond the spine, AS can potentially affect mental health as well, causing anxiety and depression due to the chronic nature of the disease and its impact on a person's well-being.
- Science has shown that taking care of one's health and wellness is crucial for managing AS effectively, with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the condition.
- Chronic AS can result in complications that go beyond bone health, such as reduced lung function due to chest wall and rib cage stiffness, and vision impairment from uveitis, an eye complication of AS.
- The risk of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and heart failure, is increased in people with AS due to vascular inflammation, emphasizing the importance of regular medical check-ups and preventive care.
