Symptoms Suggestive of Long-Term Spinal Pain Potentially Indicating Axial Spondyloarthritis
Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in these areas[1][3][4]. This condition, often overlooked due to its prevalence, can lead to discomfort and impact daily life.
### Common Symptoms of Axial Spondyloarthritis:
Chronic back pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back and buttocks, are common symptoms of AxSpA. The pain and stiffness typically worsen with rest and improve with physical activity[2][4]. Other symptoms may include fatigue, inflammation, and pain in other joints such as the hips, knees, and ankles. Symptoms often begin before age 45 and persist for more than three months[2].
AxSpA may also involve structural changes visible on imaging tests (X-rays or MRI), such as sacroiliitis, which is inflammation of the sacroiliac joints[2]. Given the symptoms often overlap with other back conditions, diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and lab tests (including inflammation markers and genetic markers like HLA-B27)[2].
### Complications and Associated Conditions:
AxSpA can cause complications in various parts of the body. For instance, it can cause inflammation in the rib cage, resulting in chest pain. In up to half of people with AxSpA, gastrointestinal issues like pain and diarrhea are reported[1]. Additionally, between 5 and 10% of AxSpA patients also have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)[1].
AxSpA can also cause pain around the Achilles tendon, and around 10% of people with AxSpA also have psoriasis, which can lead to plaque on the scalp[1].
### Diagnosis and Management:
Given the subtlety of symptoms and the need for a comprehensive evaluation, it is essential for the patient to be their own advocate in seeking a diagnosis for AxSpA. A rheumatologist should be consulted if you suspect AxSpA, as they will prioritise your case[5]. It is important to note that AxSpA might not show up on an X-ray or MRI of the spine, and a blood test for an elevated inflammation marker called C-reactive protein is only present in about half of cases[1].
Early diagnosis is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage effectively. If you are experiencing persistent back pain, fatigue, or joint pain in the extremities, it's worth discussing these symptoms with your healthcare provider.
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[1] NHS (2021) Axial spondyloarthritis. Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/axial-spondyloarthritis/ [2] Mayo Clinic (2021) Axial spondyloarthritis. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/axial-spondyloarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353355 [3] Arthritis Foundation (2021) Axial Spondyloarthritis. Retrieved from: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/spondyloarthritis [4] American College of Rheumatology (2021) Axial Spondyloarthritis. Retrieved from: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Axial-Spondyloarthritis [5] Johns Hopkins Medicine (2021) Axial Spondyloarthritis. Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/axial-spondyloarthritis
- AxSpA can impact daily life due to its symptoms like chronic back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- The pain and stiffness associated with AxSpA often worsen with rest and improve with physical activity.
- Other symptoms of AxSpA may include fatigue, inflammation, and joint pain in areas such as the hips, knees, and ankles.
- Symptoms of AxSpA typically begin before age 45 and persist for more than three months.
- AxSpA may cause structural changes visible on imaging tests, such as sacroiliitis.
- Diagnosis of AxSpA relies on a combination of clinical examination, imaging, and lab tests, including inflammation markers and genetic markers like HLA-B27.
- AxSpA can cause complications in various parts of the body, including inflammation in the rib cage and gastrointestinal issues like pain and diarrhea.
- Up to half of people with AxSpA may also have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- AxSpA can cause pain around the Achilles tendon and may be associated with psoriasis.
- It's essential for a patient to be their own advocate in seeking a diagnosis for AxSpA, consulting a rheumatologist if needed.
- Early diagnosis of AxSpA is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage.
- If you're experiencing persistent back pain, fatigue, or joint pain in the extremities, discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider.
- For more information about AxSpA and related conditions, consider signing up for a health and wellness newsletter.
- Education and self-development resources are available to help manage and understand chronic conditions like AxSpA.
- Mental health is essential for overall health and wellness, and mental health resources can be helpful for individuals managing chronic conditions.
- Men's health and women's health can be impacted differently by conditions like AxSpA, and resources specific to these groups can be beneficial.
- Skin health is crucial for overall health, and therapies and treatments are available for skin conditions like psoriasis.
