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Arthritis of the Spine (Ankylosing Spondilytis)

I currently have a couple of problems with my spine, they being scoliosis (curvature of the spine) in the lower part of the spine and a syrinx (fluid that can trap nerves) in the upper part of the spine.

There is a family history of ankylosing spondilytis, and in recent months my back has been getting progressively more painful and less flexible, and I was wondering if there's any way to check if I am beginning to get fusion of the vertibrae.

If anyone knows any checks that can be done, I'd be rather grateful as I (rather unsurprisingly) don't really fancy the idea of a curved spine fused in position with fluid that traps nerves inside it.

Thanks

Reply 1

bunthulhu

14

I always say this when it comes to back problems; but a chiropractor might be able to help, seeing as they essentially work with the spine. I have slight curvature of the spine in my neck which needs regular correction by a chiropractor as it causes me migraines.

Reply 2

The Canadian

OP

11

I used to go to the chiropractor but it just ended up being a waste of money as within about 2 hours everything will be just as it was before hand. Thanks for the tip though.

Reply 3

bunthulhu

14

Are you sure you're going to a good enough one? :smile:

Also, I was suggesting for a check like you wanted, as opposed to regular treatment.

Reply 4

sweet_fluffy_nuke

The Canadian

There is a family history of ankylosing spondilytis, and in recent months my back has been getting progressively more painful and less flexible, and I was wondering if there's any way to check if I am beginning to get fusion of the vertibrae.

Get an xray and a blood test for HLA-B27
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/ankylosing_Spondylitis.html

Reply 5

The Canadian

OP

11

Ahhh, never knew chiropractors could do tests. Cheers. I'll see about looking into that :smile:

No matter how good one is the spinal problems will kick in again as soon as I start walking back as I have one leg longer then the other and that causes my back to twist.

Reply 6

The Canadian

OP

11

acolyte

Get an xray and a blood test for HLA-B27
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/ankylosing_Spondylitis.html

I'll have to get my doctor to have a look at my spine X-rays then.

And urgh to blood tests! Blood is supposed to stay in the body.

Cheers though.

Reply 7

RetiredAccount89

18

The Canadian

Ahhh, never knew chiropractors could do tests. Cheers. I'll see about looking into that :smile:

No matter how good one is the spinal problems will kick in again as soon as I start walking back as I have one leg longer then the other and that causes my back to twist.

neither did i...

as fate would have it, i'm just putting the finishing touches to a fascinating essay on Ank Spon.

fusion takes years to happen.
the key symptoms of ank spon to look for are
waking early in morning with back pain
stiffness in the morning for >30mins
pain in the buttocks
pain relieved by exercise, worsened by rest.
also foot pain, knee pain and ankle pain.

Steer clear of chiropracters. you have complicated problems that they don't have the training nor education to properly understand

Reply 8

The Canadian

OP

11

Jamie

neither did i...

as fate would have it, i'm just putting the finishing touches to a fascinating essay on Ank Spon.

fusion takes years to happen.
the key symptoms of ank spon to look for are
waking early in morning with back pain
stiffness in the morning for >30mins
pain in the buttocks
pain relieved by exercise, worsened by rest.
also foot pain, knee pain and ankle pain.

Steer clear of chiropracters. you have complicated problems that they don't have the training nor education to properly understand

the key symptoms of ank spon to look for are
waking early in morning with back pain Yes, which is why I have meds nearby LOL
stiffness in the morning for >30mins sometimes I can't even get out of bed for an hour!!
pain in the buttocks Yeah, but I do sit in lectures a lot of the day on crappy chairs
pain relieved by exercise, worsened by rest. Definitely true for me
also foot pain, knee pain and ankle pain. My right knee often hurts

Thank you very much for this information. It has definitely helped a lot.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with info here. Been really useful :smile: