Spondylitis Types What You Need to Know Revised

Dr.Nagesh Chandra, 3 mins read

Spondylitis is a broad term used to describe a variety of chronic arthritis-related conditions that affect joints in the spinal as well as the sacroiliac area. The sacroiliac area includes the pelvis as well as the lower spine.

Medical experts categorize spondylitis into various subtypes. Specific subtypes can cause general inflammation, which can affect several organs or systems of the body.

This article explains the nature of spondylitis and outlines the various kinds of spondylitis and its causes and symptoms. In the end, we offer information on the diagnosis and treatment of spondylitis.

How do you define spondylitis?

Spondylitis is a broad term used to describe a variety of chronic arthritis-related illnesses that affect those joints in the spinal as well as the sacroiliac region.

All forms of spondylitis cause joint inflammation of ligaments, tendons, and joints. Tendons are connected tissues that connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connective tissue that join bones to bones.

Joint inflammation causes bones to fuse and lead to an increase in spinal bone growth. Extreme cases may cause excessive curvature of the spine.

Signs and symptoms

The most frequent symptoms of spondylitis are:

• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Eye inflammation
• Swelling in legs and arms
• Back Discomfort

A variety of causes of spondylitis:-

Doctors don't know all the causes behind spondylitis-related diseases. Research suggests that certain kinds, like ankylosing Spondylitis, can be genetic, which means you're more likely to get it when you have a relative.

There are as many as 30 genes connected to ankylosing Spondylitis. Specific genes could also be responsible for other forms of spondylitis.

Other causes of spondylitis could be infections caused by bacteria. You could be at a higher risk of developing conditions like reactive spondylitis and enteropathic arthritis when you suffer from an intestinal or bladder infection.

Stress that is not managed can cause or worsen certain types of spondylitis. A survey conducted in the past of patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis revealed that more than 80 percent believed that stress caused the symptoms.

Spondylitis types:-

Based on the Spondylitis Association of America, there are two primary ways to categorize spondylitis. In the old, more traditional method, there are six distinct kinds, and the newer system divides all spondylitis diagnoses into two different categories.

The more traditional types of spondylitis

The six classic types of spondylitis are:

1. Endocrine arthritis (EnA)

The spondylitis type is identified by inflammation and pain within the intestinal tract. You may experience back and joint discomfort.

2. Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is the most prevalent form, typically a problem with the lower back, spine, and hip joints.

3. Reactive arthritis/Reiter's syndrome (ReA)

ReA is spondylitis that usually develops after an infection with a bacterium. It can be caused by an infection transmitted sexually, such as chlamydia, or a gastrointestinal infection caused by food contaminated with Salmonella.

ReA can trigger inflammation and pain in peripheral joints (like the ankles and knees) along with the spine and the sacroiliac joints. These joints are on either side of your lower spine.

4. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

The spondylitis type causes stiffness and back pain, which is associated with the skin's psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis usually causes swelling and pain in smaller joints, such as the fingers and toes.

5. Undifferentiated spondylitis

The spondylitis described above is undifferentiated since it does not fulfill the criteria for diagnosing ankylosing Spondylitis or any related diseases.

If you suffer from an undifferentiated form of spondylitis, you'll probably not be suffering typical signs of back discomfort, skin rash, or digestive issues.

6. Juvenile spondylitis (JSpA)

JSpA is a kind of spondylitis that is seen in adolescents and children. The type of arthritis generally affects the joints of the leg.

JSpA is a different form of spondylitis. The primary symptoms are inflammation and pain around the joints and the spine.

This spondylitis affects regions where ligaments, muscles, and tendons are connected to bone.

7. Peripheral spondylitis

This category covers different types of spondylitis that can result in symptoms in the legs and arms.

Commonly affected joints include the following:

• Feet
• Ankles
• Wrists
• Knees
• Hands
• Shoulders
• Elbows

8. Axial spondylitis

Various types of spondylitis cause symptoms in the groin, back, or hip region. The group is further subdivided into spondylitis which causes joint and bone damage visible in an X-ray scan, and those that aren't.

Spondylitis foods to avoid

Certain foods that cause inflammation can increase the severity of Spondylitis symptoms. The most common triggers are:

• High sodium and salty foods
• Sugar
• Foods with high-fat content
• Red meat
• Alcohol
• Gluten and wheat

Spondylitis diagnosis

There isn't a definitive test to identify spondylitis. Doctors will examine physical health involving the patient's symptoms and medical background. They'll also ask whether there is an autoimmune family history—conditions such as psoriasis or spondyloarthritis.

The diagnosis could also include these:

• Genetic tests for the HLA B27 gene
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests, like:
• Ultrasound scans
• Images from MRI
• X-rays

Treatment

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a long-lasting disease that can last for a lifetime. Although there is no cure, treatments can reduce the long-term effects, lessen joint injuries and ease discomfort. Treatments can include:

• Corticosteroids Injectable corticosteroids temporarily ease joint pain and inflammation.
• Regular physical exercise can stop or slow down the progression of the disease. Many suffer from more pain when they're idle. Moving can reduce pain. Your doctor can suggest safe exercises.
• Surgery: A tiny percentage of people suffering from ankylosing Spondylitis might require surgery. Joint replacement surgery creates artificial joints. Kyphoplasty can correct a curly spine.
• Physical therapy may include spinal manipulation or massage to increase and maintain spinal flexibility.

Conclusion

Spondylitis is a broad term that covers various similar types of spondylitis arthritis. It most often affects the back. However, various other symptoms can be associated, including eye swelling or minor joint pain before the appearance of back discomfort.

Inform your doctor immediately whenever you experience any symptoms or if the symptoms worsen. Early treatment for spondylitis can help decrease symptoms and help avoid health problems.

ALSO READ: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)