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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Spinal Deformity Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Condition: Spinal Deformity Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Also called: Spinal deformity

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis of the spine. It causes inflammation between your vertebrae, which are the bones that make up your spine, and in the joints between your spine and pelvis. In some people, it can affect other joints.

AS is more common and more severe in men. It often runs in families. The cause is unknown, but it is likely that both genes and factors in the environment play a role.

Early symptoms of AS include back pain and stiffness. These problems often start in late adolescence or early adulthood. Over time, AS can fuse your vertebrae together, limiting movement. Some people have symptoms that come and go. Others have severe, ongoing pain.

A diagnosis of AS is based on your medical history and a physical examination. You may also have imaging or blood tests.

AS has no cure, but medicines can relieve symptoms and may keep the disease from getting worse. Eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and exercising can also help. In rare cases, you may need surgery to straighten the spine.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/ankylosingspondylitis.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of painful, ongoing joint inflammation (chronic inflammatory arthritis) that primarily affects the spine.  Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis typically begin between the ages of 15 and 30. Most commonly, affected individuals first experience chronic back pain and stiffness. This pain worsens with rest or inactivity, and tends to be relieved with physical activity or exercise.

Pain in ankylosing spondylitis results from inflammation of the joints between the pelvic bones (the ilia) and the base of the spine (the sacrum). These joints are called sacroiliac joints, and inflammation of these joints is known as sacroiliitis. The inflammation gradually spreads to the joints between the vertebrae, eventually involving the whole spine, causing a condition called spondylitis. Over time, back movement gradually becomes limited as the bones of the spine (vertebrae) fuse together. This progressive bony fusion is called ankylosis. These fused bones are prone to fracture.

Ankylosing spondylitis can involve other joints as well, including the shoulders, hips, and, less often, the knees. As the disease progresses, it can affect the joints between the spine and ribs, restricting movement of the chest and making it difficult to breathe deeply. 

Ankylosing spondylitis affects the eyes in more than 30 percent of cases, leading to episodes of eye inflammation called acute iritis. Acute iritis typically affects one eye at a time and causes eye pain and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia). Rarely, ankylosing spondylitis can also cause serious complications involving the heart, lungs, and nervous system. Six to 10 percent of people with ankylosing spondylitis have additional inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis, which affects the skin, or uclerative colitis or Crohn disease, which both affect the digestive tract.

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/ankylosing-spondylitis?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Contents

  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Providers Treating Spinal Deformity Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Spinal Deformity Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Review each provider for availability.

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David B. Bumpass, M.D.

David B. Bumpass, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Noojan Kazemi, M.D.

Noojan Kazemi, M.D. Neurosurgeon

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Richard E. McCarthy, M.D.

Richard E. McCarthy, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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Samuel C. Overley, M.D.

Samuel C. Overley, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

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T. Glenn Pait, M.D.

T. Glenn Pait, M.D. Neurosurgeon

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Locations Where Providers Treat Spinal Deformity Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Note that the treatment of Spinal Deformity Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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Neurosurgery Clinic

Neurosurgery Clinic

501 Jack Stephens Drive
Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neuroscience Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-5270
New and Returning Patients
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Autumn Road Clinic

Orthopaedic Clinic on Autumn Road

600 Autumn Road
Little Rock, AR 72211

Appointment Phone Numbers
501-526-1046
New Patients
501-320-7776
Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Spinal Deformity Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Neurosurgeon looking at brain imaging.

Neurosurgery

Our neurosurgeons perform research, multiple clinical trials and are the leaders for simple and complex surgeries not available at other centers in Arkansas.

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Rearview shot of a sporty young man touching his neck while exercising outdoors

Spine Care

UAMS Health offers a complete range of services for the treatment of spinal conditions, no matter the cause.

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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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