What is Spondyloarthritis? (original) (raw)

“Spondyloarthritis” is an umbrella term for inflammatory conditions that cause arthritis. Examples include ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.

Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory diseases that cause joint inflammation, or arthritis. Most inflammatory diseases are thought to be hereditary. So far, there isn’t any scientific evidence to suggest that the disease can be prevented.

Spondyloarthritis can be classified as either axial or peripheral. The axial form affects mostly the pelvic joints and spine, while the peripheral form affects the limbs. The condition may also cause inflammation in the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, and areas where ligaments and tendons attach to bones.

The main symptoms of spondyloarthritis are pain, stiffness, and swelling. Bone damage may also occur. Where you feel symptoms in the body depends on the type of spondyloarthritis you have.

The exact cause of spondyloarthritis isn’t clear, although genetics play a part. The main gene involved in all types of spondyloarthritis is HLA-B27.

Although the HLA-B27 gene doesn’t cause the condition, it can increase your chance of developing it. Research is ongoing to determine how other genes may cause spondyloarthritis.

Some research suggests a link between an imbalance of the microbiome and the development of spondyloarthritis or other inflammatory diseases. But more research is needed to understand the relationship between gut bacteria and systemic inflammation.

Reactive arthritis is the only type of spondyloarthritis that a bacterial infection is known to trigger. It most commonly results after a strep infection, chlamydia, or a food-borne infection.

Is spondyloarthritis an autoimmune disorder?

In autoimmune diseases, the body mistakenly attacks these antigens. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an antigen attacking healthy joints and tissues.

But not all antibodies cause disease. Some diseases are seen as “autoinflammatory” because they’re caused by a mutation in DNA proteins related to the immune system.

Some conditions, including spondyloarthritis, are harder to classify into one of these distinct categories. While spondyloarthritis is often labeled as an inflammatory condition, recent research suggests it may also have an autoimmune component.

Early diagnosis is important for managing symptoms and reducing your risk of complications or disability. Based on your symptoms, medical history, and medical exam, your doctor may suspect you have spondyloarthritis.

It’s not always clear why someone gets spondyloarthritis. Your risk of the condition may be higher if you:

According to research provided by the American College of Rheumatology, spondyloarthritis occurs more frequently in Sami, Siberian Eskimo, and Alaskan people.

There’s no cure for spondyloarthritis. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving or maintaining mobility, and reducing the risk of complications.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, regular movement is critical in managing discomfort associated with the condition.

Treatment plans are individualized, but most will include:

Antibiotics are used to treat an active bacterial infection present with reactive arthritis. Severe cases of spondyloarthritis may require surgery to treat bone destruction or cartilage damage.

Smoking is a known cause of inflammation in the body. If you smoke, it’s important to consider quitting. Your doctor can help you find a smoking cessation program and other supportive resources that are right for you.

There’s no specific diet for spondyloarthritis. Still, research suggests that eating and avoiding certain foods might help relieve your symptoms.

In general, eating nutrient-dense foods is vital to your overall health and to helping prevent weight gain. Excess weight puts extra pressure on your joints.

Some foods and ingredients may cause inflammation and should be limited. These include:

Spondyloarthritis may cause bone thinning and osteoporosis, so getting enough calcium in your diet is important. If you’re lactose-sensitive, opt for plant-based sources of calcium instead, such as:

You can also get calcium from fortified orange juice. Spinach is high in calcium, but it’s also high in oxalates. Oxalates bind to calcium and prevent its absorption.

Will going gluten-free help with spondyloarthritis?

Some people claim that going gluten-free reduces their spondyloarthritis symptoms. Although it’s best to avoid gluten if you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity in people without celiac disease is controversial, and there isn’t enough evidence that eliminating gluten can help you reduce spondyloarthritis symptoms.

Spondyloarthritis is a progressive condition. Its course is difficult to predict. Even so, the outlook for most people is good if they take steps to manage their symptoms and stay as healthy as possible.

Regular exercise and physical therapy go a long way toward supporting mobility and reducing stiffness and pain. Over-the-counter and prescription medications to reduce inflammation are also often beneficial.

Like many other chronic conditions, spondyloarthritis symptoms may come and go and vary from day to day. Complications, such as heart problems and lung scarring due to long-term inflammation, are rare.

Spondyloarthritis is serious. But with the right coping strategies and a consistent treatment plan, most people with the condition live full lives.