Spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine and joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential deformity. Early detection and comprehensive management—including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes—are crucial to improving quality of life. This guide covers symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options to help individuals understand and address the condition effectively.

Understanding Spondyloarthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies

Spondyloarthritis, a form of chronic inflammatory joint disease, primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to stiffness and pain. Also known as axial spondyloarthritis, it begins often in the lower back and can progress to involve other joints and organs. The term "ankylosis" refers to bone fusion, while "spondyloarthritis" indicates inflammation of spinal and related joints. Without treatment, it may cause spinal deformities, but symptom management through medications and physical therapy can improve quality of life.

Typical Signs of Spondyloarthritis

Individuals may experience flare-ups of inflammation with periods of relief. Common symptoms include persistent back pain, especially in the mornings and evenings, along with joint discomfort in hips and shoulders. Additional indicators are:

Stiffness after waking

Posture alterations like stooping

Reduced appetite

Slight fever

Unintentional weight loss

Fatigue and exhaustion

Iron deficiency anemia

Breathing challenges in advanced stages

Inflammation can extend beyond joints, causing symptoms such as:

Intestinal inflammation

Mild eye irritation like conjunctivitis

Heart valve inflammation

Aching tendons, especially Achilles tendon

Persistent lower back pain warrants careful evaluation, especially if worsening or morning stiffness occurs. Young adults with ongoing back issues, particularly near sacroiliac joints, should seek medical assessment. Family history and genetic markers like HLA-B27 increase risk, especially in men.

If untreated, spinal fusion and deformity can develop. Early use of anti-inflammatory medications can relieve symptoms, but immune-modulating therapies may slow disease progression. The exact cause remains unknown, but genetics play a key role, with higher susceptibility linked to the HLA-B27 gene.

Potential complications include permanent spinal fusion, joint damage, reduced mobility, breathing problems, eye issues like uveitis, and cardiovascular risks. The disease may also affect lungs and other joints, leading to broader health impacts.

Diagnosis involves physical exams, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs, and blood tests for inflammation markers. Early diagnosis enables better symptom control and disease management.

Treatment aims to ease symptoms and prevent progression through medications including NSAIDs and biologics, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is considered in severe cases. Modifications like regular exercise, proper posture, smoking cessation, and heat or cold therapy can enhance daily functioning.