How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
A thorough physical exam including x-rays, individual medical history, and a family history of AS, as well as blood work including a possible test for HLA-B27 are factors in making a diagnosis. Click here for more information in our AS Diagnosis section. Back to top… Is there a cure? Currently, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain. Recent studies show that the new biologic medications can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top… How is ankylosing spondylitis treated? Exercise is essential. A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and physical therapy, and good posture practices. Click here for more information in our AS Treatment section. Back to top… What kind of exercise is best? Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your physician or physical therapi
There are a number of different tools to aid in the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. A patient may be given a blood test called an ESR, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body. Urinalysis may be done to check for kidney related abnormalities and to rule out back pain that may be produced by a kidney condition versus ankylosing spondylitis. Xrays or bone scans may be conducted to visualize degenerative changes to vertebrae and various joints as a result of prolonged inflammation. Testing may also be done to check for the presence of the gene HLA-B27 since there is a very high correlation between those who have ankylosing spondylitis and those who possess the gene (over ninety percent of those with AS have the gene, while only 6 percent of the general population does). Finally, physical examination and the examination of a patient’s family medical history can aid in the proper diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis.
