Signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. The early signs of ankylosing spondylitis can be subtle, and the condition often progresses gradually, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. Early recognition of these signs is important for timely intervention and treatment. Below is an overview of the common signs and warning signs of ankylosing spondylitis, including specific radiological features, such as the bamboo sign and dagger sign, which are used to assess disease progression.

Early Signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Chronic Lower Back Pain: One of the first signs of ankylosing spondylitis is chronic pain in the lower back, which typically worsens after periods of rest or in the morning. The pain often improves with movement or exercise.
• Morning Stiffness: Individuals with AS often experience stiffness in the back and hips after waking up, which can last for more than 30 minutes. This stiffness is a key indicator of inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints.
• Reduced Spinal Mobility: Over time, the inflammation in the spine can lead to a reduction in the range of motion. Early signs may include difficulty bending or twisting the spine.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Warning Signs

• Pain in the Sacroiliac Joints: The sacroiliac joints are commonly affected in the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis. Individuals may experience pain and tenderness in the lower back or buttocks, which may radiate to the thighs or legs.
• Peripheral Arthritis: AS can cause joint pain and swelling in other areas, such as the hips, knees, shoulders, and ankles. This is often an early warning sign of the disease.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the eye (uveitis) can occur in individuals with AS, causing symptoms such as eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

Bamboo Spine Sign

• The bamboo spine is a characteristic radiological sign seen in ankylosing spondylitis. Over time, the inflammation in the vertebrae can lead to the formation of syndesmophytes (bony growths), causing the spine to appear rigid and fused, resembling a bamboo stalk on X-rays.
• The bamboo spine sign indicates advanced ankylosing spondylitis and is typically seen in the later stages of the disease, when spinal fusion has occurred.

Dagger Sign

• The dagger sign refers to the presence of ossification (bone formation) along the spinal ligaments, particularly in the cervical spine. This results in the appearance of a “dagger-like” shape on X-rays, indicating severe spinal involvement and the potential for fusion of the vertebrae.
• This sign is also seen in advanced ankylosing spondylitis and reflects chronic inflammation and long-term damage to the ligaments and joints of the spine.

First Signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• The first signs of ankylosing spondylitis often include lower back pain, morning stiffness, and reduced flexibility, which can be mistaken for other conditions like muscle strain or osteoarthritis.
• Other early signs may include fatigue, weight loss, and joint pain in the hips and knees.

 Curapod with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Curapod, a device that uses electrical stimulation, can provide effective relief for individuals experiencing the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Curapod works by delivering electrical impulses to help relax muscles, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve circulation. Here’s how Curapod can be integrated into the management of ankylosing spondylitis:

• Pain Relief: Curapod helps reduce pain caused by inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints. It can provide non-invasive relief from chronic back pain, one of the primary early signs of ankylosing spondylitis.
• Muscle Relaxation: Curapod provides muscle relaxation for patients suffering from muscle stiffness, a common issue in AS. As Curapod stimulates the affected muscles, it helps improve spinal mobility, reducing the impact of morning stiffness and pain.
• Enhancing Physical Therapy: Since ankylosing spondylitis affects spinal flexibility and mobility, Curapod can be used alongside physical therapy to enhance the effectiveness of exercise programs. It helps improve range of motion, enabling patients to perform stretches and exercises more comfortably.
• Complementing Medication: While medications like NSAIDs and biologics target inflammation, Curapod can be a complementary therapy that provides additional relief from muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. This reduces the reliance on medications and improves the overall management of ankylosing spondylitis.

References

1. Mayo Clinic, 2025. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352477 [Accessed 25 February 2025].
2. American College of Rheumatology, 2025. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/Practice-Tools/Diseases-and-Conditions/Ankylosing-Spondylitis [Accessed 25 February 2025].
3. Spine-Health, 2025. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Available at: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/ankylosing-spondylitis [Accessed 25 February 2025].