Ankylosing spondylitis or AS is a rare arthritis that inflames the spine. AS causes stiffness and pain that can affect places where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones. It can even cause your vertebrae to fuse together.

Also known as Bechterew disease, AS is a lifelong condition that affects men more than women. This can also develop in most people with the HLA-B27 gene, however, not all individuals can develop this arthritis.

In summary, AS can cause inflammation and pain throughout your body. This can also complicate the following:

• Bones
  AS can weaken bones. Weakened vertebrae can crumple, increasing the severity of a stooped posture.
• Eyes
  Forty percent of people with AS have an eye problem called uveitis. It’s an inflammation that causes pain and blurriness, as well as sensitivity to bright light.
• Heart valve
  AS can also enlarge your aorta, the largest artery in the body. This can change the shape of your aortic valve, allowing blood to leak back into your heart.

Unfortunately, there is no direct cure to Ankylosing spondylitis. However, exercise and a good diet can help manage this disease. Seeking patient support from a trusted medical professional can help you create a care plan that can alleviate pain.

It is better to maintain activity to banish the pain without medication. Keeping a healthy weight is also vital to keep stress off of your joints, muscles, and bones. Learning about weight management and healthy living can be achieved by talking to a consultant pharmacist in New Jersey.

As such, if you are experiencing any or most of the symptoms, seek medical help right away. Ask your doctor for assistance and how you can manage this condition.

For more health tips, MedBox Specialty Pharmacy is your friendly, neighborhood specialist pharmacy in Belleville, New Jersey. Don’t hesitate to reach out!