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Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment in Tampa & Orlando

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, where the spine meets the pelvis. Over time, untreated inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and in advanced cases, fusion of the spinal joints.

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At Bolad Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic in Tampa and Orlando, provides comprehensive, personalized care for patients with ankylosing spondylitis and related axial spondyloarthritis conditions, focusing on early diagnosis, inflammation control, and long-term quality of life.

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the joints and ligaments of the spine. This leads to persistent inflammation, pain, and stiffness, especially in the lower back and hips.

In more severe cases, chronic inflammation can cause vertebrae to fuse together, reducing flexibility and affecting posture. Ankylosing spondylitis is part of a broader group of conditions known as axial spondyloarthritis.

Who Is at Risk for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis most commonly begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. While it can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk.

Risk Factors Include

  • Fusion of spinal vertebrae, leading to permanent stiffness

  • Reduced chest expansion and breathing difficulty

  • Chronic eye inflammation

  • Cardiovascular involvement, including aortic valve changes

  • Decreased mobility and posture changes

  • Early intervention significantly lowers the risk of these outcomes.

Common Symptoms

  • Chronic lower back and hip pain

  • Morning stiffness that improves with movement

  • Pain in the sacroiliac joints

  • Reduced spinal flexibility

  • Fatigue related to ongoing inflammation

Additional Symptoms

  • Pain in shoulders, knees, feet, ribs, or chest wall

  • Pain where tendons and ligaments attach to bone

  • Eye inflammation (uveitis), causing redness, pain, or light sensitivity

  • Digestive symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Potential Complications of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Without proper treatment, ankylosing spondylitis can lead to long-term complications.

Possible Complications

  • Family history of ankylosing spondylitis

  • Presence of the HLA-B27 genetic marker

  • Male sex (more common in men than women)

  • Onset typically between ages 15 and 40

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Having the HLA-B27 gene does not guarantee the disease will develop, but it increases susceptibility.

How Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Diagnosed

There is no single test that confirms ankylosing spondylitis. Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing.

Diagnostic Evaluation May Include

  • Detailed medical history and symptom review

  • Physical examination of spinal mobility and posture

  • Blood tests to assess inflammation

  • HLA-B27 genetic testing when appropriate

  • Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to detect joint inflammation or structural changes

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Our Tampa and Orlando rheumatology teams focus on early detection to prevent irreversible joint damage.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but effective treatment can control symptoms, slow disease progression, and preserve mobility.

Medication Management

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Corticosteroids for targeted inflammation control

  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

  • Biologic therapies for moderate to severe disease

Lifestyle and Supportive Care

  • Structured physical therapy programs

  • Regular, low-impact exercise

  • Posture training and mobility preservation

  • Smoking cessation and inflammation-reducing lifestyle strategies

Advanced Treatment

In severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to address joint damage or correct spinal deformities.

Why Choose Bolad Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic

Patients across Tampa and Orlando trust our clinic for expert diagnosis and long-term management of complex rheumatic diseases.

Our Approach

  • Board-certified rheumatology care

  • Personalized treatment plans

  • Early and aggressive inflammation control

  • Integrated care for joint, eye, and systemic symptoms

  • Focus on long-term mobility and quality of life

Schedule an Ankylosing Spondylitis Consultation

If you are experiencing chronic back pain, stiffness, or symptoms consistent with ankylosing spondylitis, early evaluation is critical.

Contact Bolad Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic in Tampa or Orlando today to schedule a consultation and begin a treatment plan designed to protect your mobility and overall health.

Ready to Prioritize Your Health?

Take the next step toward expert arthritis and autoimmune care.

 

Schedule your appointment today with our trusted rheumatology team in Tampa or Orlando and experience personalized treatment focused on long term results.

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