Known as Ankylosing Spondylitis or Rheumatoid arthritis, this condition is a form of chronic arthritis. Symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and the cause remains largely unknown, often leading to an average diagnosis time of over three years.
If treatment is delayed, the spinal joints can become as rigid as bamboo, resulting in intensified pain, which underscores the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment in the early stages.
According to the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on 27 April, the number of ankylosing spondylitis patients has increased 1.5 times over the past decade, with many diagnoses occurring in men in their early twenties.
In 2023, the number of patients reached 55,375. AS causes chronic inflammatory pain centered around the spine, and the spinal joints can stiffen over time. Inflammation and swelling can also occur in other areas, such as the hips, knees, and shoulders.
Dr. Chae Ji-young, head of the Rheumatology Department at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, stated that ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects males in their late teens to early thirties, with many diagnoses occurring in their early twenties, and that early symptoms often manifest around the spine, leading to misdiagnosis as simple musculoskeletal disorders like hip arthritis or herniated discs, resulting in an average diagnosis delay of over three years.
In 2023, the number of patients reached 55,375. Ankylosing spondylitis causes chronic inflammatory pain centered around the spine, and the spinal joints can stiffen over time. Inflammation and swelling can also occur in other areas, such as the hips, knees, and shoulders.
Although the exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis remains unclear, it is believed to be closely related to genetic factors. Medical professionals note that a specific antigen (HLA-B27) is found in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, although it does not necessarily get passed down genetically. However, individuals without this antigen are less likely to develop the condition.
Symptoms can vary significantly among patients, but most report experiencing back pain early on, which gradually becomes chronic. Unlike typical spinal disorders, sufficient sleep or rest can increase stiffness and joint pain, while light movement or exercise tends to alleviate the discomfort.
In addition to spinal stiffness, patients may experience eye inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. Conditions such as heart valve and kidney diseases due to aorta inflammation can also occur, though they are less common.
Dr. Chae emphasized the importance of monitoring any symptoms that arise, regardless of the timing of treatment, as inflammation can affect other parts of the body, and advised that if individuals experience chronic pain in the lower back or buttocks accompanied by these symptoms, they should consult a rheumatology specialist for a diagnosis.
The treatment goal for chronic ankylosing spondylitis is not a cure, but rather prevention. The focus is on alleviating pain and stiffness before joint damage occurs and maintaining quality of life. Patients’ attitude toward treatment can significantly impact their quality of life and longevity.
Experts recommend regular stretching and exercise to maintain joint flexibility and prevent spinal deformities, stressing the importance of consulting a specialist for an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Chae noted that it is crucial to engage in low-impact exercises like swimming regularly, while avoiding high-impact sports like tennis or golf that could put excessive strain on the joints.
Self-Diagnosis Checklist for Ankylosing Spondylitis Used in Hospitals
If you meet four or more of the following criteria, you must visit a rheumatology clinic for evaluation.
– Pain in the lower back (especially around the buttocks) or spine started before age 40.
– Pain in the lower back or spine worsens over time.
– Rest does not relieve pain in the lower back or spine, but movement or exercise does.
– You wake up at night due to lower back or spine pain.
– You experience pain in your limbs and peripheral joints alongside lower back or spine pain.
– You have had uveitis, characterized by eye pain and redness, or pain in the Achilles tendon area.