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    4. Ankylosing Spondylitis

    Ankylosing Spondylitis

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our rheumatology specialists perform ankylosing spondylitis testing for people with symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine. Using advanced diagnostic testing and a collaborative specialist approach, our care team will assess your symptoms, medical history and test results to support diagnosis and properly develop a personalised plan tailored to your needs.

    • Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine. Part of a group of conditions called axial spondyloarthritis, the inflammation can cause the bones of the spine to fuse together over time, leading to reduced flexibility and a hunched posture. If the joints between the ribs and spine are affected, it may also lead to shortness of breath.

    • Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can come and go. They may become worse in the morning or after periods of rest.

      Common symptoms include: 

      • Pain in the lower back, buttocks or hips
      • Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest
      • Pain that improves with movement or exercise
      • Swelling in the hips, shoulders, knees or ribs
      • Heel pain or tenderness where tendons and ligaments attach to bone
      • Fatigue
      • Eye inflammation

      Any or all of these symptoms may lead to your care team recommending an ankylosing spondylitis test, or a combination of tests, to help confirm diagnosis. 

      Seek urgent medical treatment if you have sudden eye pain, redness, light sensitivity or blurry vision.

    • There is no single known cause of ankylosing spondylitis. However, genetic factors appear to be involved. 

      Some people with ankylosing spondylitis have a gene called HLA-B27, which has been linked to higher risk. But not everyone with ankylosing spondylitis has the gene, and not everyone with the gene develops ankylosing spondylitis. 

      The condition often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood.

    • There is no one single test - testing for ankylosing spondylitis involves a combination of assessing symptoms, physical examination, imaging and blood tests. All of these are vital steps for our diagnosing criteria. 

      Common steps can include: 

      • Medical history and physical exams, where your care team will ask about your symptoms 
      • An assessment of the mobility of your spine, hips and chest
      • Imaging tests, such as MRIs or X-rays, which can show changes in the joints where the spine meets the pelvis
      • Blood tests to assess for markers of inflammation, or to check for the HLA-B27 gene

    • Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, easing pain and stiffness, and helping you stay active. 

      Treatment may include: 

      • Exercise and physical therapy, including stretching and range-of-motion exercises
      • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce pain and inflammation
      • Biologic medicines, which target specific parts of the immune system
      • Steroid injections, which can help reduce inflammation in a specific joint

    Private health insurance 

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book an assessment

    If you are experiencing symptoms of inflammation, our rheumatology specialists can perform testing for ankylosing spondylitis to assess your health and recommend next steps. 

    Our team is here to answer your questions and provide personalised treatment options. Request an appointment with us today, or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575. 

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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