Spondylitis is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the vertebrae and joints in the spine. For many people, this condition is caused by genetic predisposition, though an exact trigger for spondylitis has not been determined. Patients diagnosed with spondylitis usually experience a variety of symptoms, ranging from chronic pain to the inability to move sections of the spine.

If you are experiencing these symptoms and you have not been diagnosed with spondylitis, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your pain and determine a cause for your symptoms. Spondylitis can be very painful and, if left untreated, could result in limited mobility and some spinal deformity. To learn about the symptoms of spondylitis and the treatment options available to you, read the following article.

Common symptoms of spondylitis

Spondylitis is a term used to describe a group of arthritis-based spine conditions that cause the vertebrae and joints in the spine to swell. In very severe cases, the vertebrae of the spine fuse together, causing the spine to lose all ability to move and bend.

These forms of spondylitis, such as ankylosing spondylitis, could cause severe and chronic pain as well as limited flexibility in the spine. This pain is often experienced in the lowest section of the lumbar spine in the SI joint (sacroiliac joint) that connects the spine to the pelvis.

The most common symptoms of spondylitis include:

• Stiffness in the neck and back
• Inability to turn or twist the spine without pain
• Deformity
• The unnatural curvature of the spine
• Chronic pain when sitting, standing or walking
• Limited range of motion in the spine

In addition to symptoms in the spine and pelvic region, spondylitis symptoms may also be felt in other areas of the body. Fatigue, appetite loss, fever and eye inflammation are all possible symptoms of spondylitis.

Treatment options for symptoms of spondylitis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for spondylitis. However, there are several treatment options available to help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with spondylitis. The first place to start looking for treatment is through conservative options. The most common forms of conservative treatment for spondylitis include:

• TENS therapy (electrical stimulation for muscles)
• Physical therapy
• Yoga
• Low-impact exercise
• Stretches
• Pain medication
• Epidural steroid injections

Many of these conservative treatments can be used in conjunction with one another. Consult your doctor to discuss a treatment regimen to help you find pain relief and possibly delay the onset of certain spondylitis symptoms.

Although USA Spine Care does not offer minimally invasive surgery to treat spondylitis, our team can help you research the options available to you. Contact our team today so we can help you find the best fit for your needs.

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