Overview

Ankylosing Spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis, is a long-term inflammatory condition that mainly affects the spine and nearby joints. Over time, ongoing inflammation can cause parts of the spine to stiffen or fuse together, reducing flexibility and causing difficulty in movement or posture. In some cases, the joints connecting the ribs may also be affected, making deep breathing uncomfortable. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

At Sarvodaya Hospital, experienced ankylosing spondylitis specialists and spine doctors focus on early diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and long-term disease management. With the support of the best spine surgeon in faridabad, patients receive advanced medical care aimed at controlling inflammation, relieving pain, and preserving spinal mobility.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Persistent lower back pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
• Pain that improves with physical activity and worsens with inactivity
• Reduced flexibility of the spine
• Pain and stiffness in the hips, shoulders, or neck
• Fatigue caused by chronic inflammation
• Difficulty standing upright or maintaining posture
• Chest tightness or difficulty taking deep breaths when rib joints are affected
• Eye inflammation (uveitis) in some patients, causing redness and blurred vision

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Genetic predisposition, especially the presence of the HLA-B27 gene
  
• Family history of ankylosing spondylitis or other inflammatory arthritis
• Abnormal immune system response leading to chronic inflammation
• Age, as symptoms commonly begin in late adolescence or early adulthood
• Male gender, which is associated with higher disease severity
• Certain infections that may trigger immune reactions

Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Accurate and early ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis is essential to prevent progressive spinal damage and long-term loss of mobility. At Sarvodaya Hospital, our Spine specialists noida use a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced diagnostic tools for precise assessment.

• Clinical History & Physical Examination – A detailed assessment of back pain, morning stiffness, posture, spinal flexibility, and joint movement to identify characteristic signs of ankylosing spondylitis.
  
  
• Blood Tests – Used to detect inflammation markers such as ESR and CRP, which indicate active inflammation associated with the disease.
  
  
• HLA-B27 Genetic Testing – Performed when clinically indicated to identify the genetic marker commonly associated with ankylosing spondylitis, helping support diagnosis.
  
  
• X-rays of Spine & Sacroiliac Joints – Help detect structural changes, joint damage, or fusion in later stages of the disease.
  
  
• MRI Scan – Advanced imaging used to identify early inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints, even before permanent bone damage becomes visible.
  
  

Ankylosing Spondylitis of the Hip

Ankylosing spondylitis of the hip is a chronic inflammatory condition in which persistent inflammation affects the hip joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

It commonly begins at a younger age and may gradually limit daily activities such as walking, sitting, or climbing stairs if not managed early.

Timely diagnosis, appropriate medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications can help control symptoms, slow disease progression, and maintain joint function, improving overall quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Minimally invasive hip replacement offers a transformative solution for patients with ankylosing spondylitis suffering from severe hip pain, stiffness, and mobility loss. The best minimally invasive hip replacement surgeon uses specialised techniques to replace the damaged hip joint with precision, resulting in less soft-tissue trauma, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker rehabilitation compared to traditional hip replacement.

At our centre, experienced hip replacement surgeons tailor the procedure to the unique challenges of ankylosing spondylitis, aiming to restore pain-free movement, improve quality of life, and help you return to daily activities with confidence.

Treatment Options & Technology for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is planned based on disease severity, spinal involvement, and joint damage. At Sarvodaya Hospital, the focus is on advanced spine care and minimally invasive surgical solutions when conservative treatment is no longer effective.|

• Medical Management – Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs are used initially to control pain and stiffness and slow inflammation-related damage.

• Physiotherapy & Spine Stabilisation – Targeted physiotherapy helps maintain spinal mobility, improve posture, and prepare patients for better surgical outcomes when needed.

• Advanced Spine Surgery – In patients with severe spinal stiffness, deformity, or nerve compression, corrective spine surgery is performed to restore alignment, relieve pressure, and improve posture and function.

• Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement – For patients with advanced hip involvement due to ankylosing spondylitis, minimally invasive hip replacement surgery offers pain relief, improved mobility, smaller incisions, and faster recovery.

• Precision Imaging & Surgical Planning – Advanced MRI, CT scans, and computer-assisted planning ensure accurate diagnosis, surgical precision, and improved long-term outcomes.

Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Although ankylosing spondylitis cannot be completely prevented, consistent lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in symptom control and slowing disease progression.

• Regular Physical Activity – Daily movement and exercise help maintain spinal flexibility and reduce stiffness.

• Posture-Correcting Exercises – Strengthening and alignment-focused routines prevent hunched posture and spinal deformity.

• Daily Stretching & Physiotherapy – Guided exercises support joint mobility and long-term spinal health.

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet – A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids helps manage inflammation.

• Avoid Smoking – Smoking worsens inflammation and accelerates disease progression, especially in spinal involvement.

• Regular Specialist Follow-Ups – Ongoing monitoring by ankylosing spondylitis specialists ensures timely treatment adjustments and long-term disease control.

Pre and Post Surgery for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Effective care before and after treatment helps optimise outcomes and improve daily functioning.

Pre-Treatment / Pre-Surgery Modifications:

• Early consultation with a Spine doctor or an orthopaedician when symptoms appear
• Baseline imaging and blood tests to assess disease severity
• Initiation of physiotherapy before starting medications
• Education on posture management and activity modification
• Review of current medications and lifestyle habits

Post-Treatment / Post-Surgery Modifications:

• Strict adherence to prescribed ankylosing spondylitis medication and biologic therapies
• Regular physiotherapy to maintain spinal mobility and posture
• Monitoring for medication side effects through routine follow-ups
• Gradual increase in physical activity under medical guidance