Is ankylosing spondylitis a degenerative disc disease?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a degenerative disc disease?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and degenerative disc disease are both illnesses of the spine that share many of the same painful symptoms. Sometimes it is even hard for doctors to tell the 2 conditions apart. But even though they may look and feel similar, there are some important differences to keep in mind.
Does ankylosing spondylitis affect the discs?
The effects and progression of ankylosing spondylitis However, genetic factors are thought to play a role. As the inflamed vertebrae produce extra bone, they eventually fuse together. This fusion encases the shock-absorbing spinal discs and severely limits the flexibility of the spine.
Is ankylosing spondylitis degenerative arthritis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease causing axial arthritis, frequently resulting in inflammatory low back pain early in the disease course, with eventual severe impairment of spinal mobility due to structural changes ultimately leading to spinal fusion.
Can autoimmune diseases cause degenerative disc disease?
These problems can be caused by wear and tear on the joints (degenerative disorders) or inflammation from an autoimmune response in the body (rheumatologic disorders).
Does ankylosing spondylitis cause herniated discs?
The pathology of ankylosing spondylitis is such that the nucleus pulposus tends to be spared, allowing disc herniation to occur in the heavily ossified spine. In virtually all patients, satisfactory correction of the flexion deformity could be safely accomplished following spinal fracture.
Can ankylosing spondylitis cause herniated discs?
Do you see a rheumatologist for degenerative disc disease?
Rheumatologists. As doctors who specialize in the care of the musculoskeletal system, rheumatologists frequently work with patients who have arthritis—and many patients with degenerative disc disease also have spinal arthritis.
Will I end up in a wheelchair with ankylosing spondylitis?
It is a rare disease, there is no cure, and you will end up in a wheelchair.
What is the difference between degenerative disc disease and spondylosis?
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), also known as Spondylosis, is a condition that usually occurs due to aging. As the term implies, it is the progressive deterioration of the discs between the vertebral bodies.