Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Diagnosis and Treatment explained by Professor Désirée van der Heijde

http://www.back-in-play.com/ - Professor Désirée van der Heijde explains how ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed and discusses the treatment options available. Ankylosing spondylitis is characterised by chronic back pain before the age of 45, especially when the pain is worse in the morning, improves with movement during the day and then is bad at night. A doctor will investigate the range of motion of the back and may also take a blood sample to test for inflammation of the blood and the antigen HLA-B27, both signs that it might be ankylosing spondylitis. X-rays and MRI scans of the joints between the pelvis and back may also be taken. Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis ranges from education about the condition, through to physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). In cases where NSAIDS are ineffective a new class of drugs called biologics or TNF Blockers can be prescribed.

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