When a patient comes in with a set of AS symptoms it’s dismissed as back pain.<\/p>\n
The advice is to get a better office chair… see a physiotherapist… exercise more.<\/p>\n
While all of this good advice (and helpful for everyone, whether they have AS or not) it does not address the root cause.<\/p>\n
The good news is that there are several tests that doctors can use to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis.<\/p>\n
First, they’ll ask you about your medical history and symptoms.<\/p>\n
Typically questions are:<\/p>\n
“When did your symptoms start?”<\/em><\/p>\n “What makes them worse?”<\/em><\/p>\n “What makes them better?”<\/em><\/p>\n They’ll ask if there is any family history of AS (as in at least 90% of cases there is a genetic component).<\/p>\n Next, the doctor will perform a physical exam.<\/p>\n They’re looking for signs of inflammation, such as swelling in the joints and they will also look at your posture and flexibility.<\/p>\n That’s because AS can cause physical changes to the spine which affects how you stand or move.<\/p>\n If the they suspect you may have AS, they can then order imaging tests such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI scans).<\/p>\n X-rays can show changes in the joints and bones, such as fusion of the spine or erosion of the joints.<\/p>\n MRI scans can pick more nuance and show inflammation in the joints and soft tissues, such as the tendons and ligaments.<\/p>\n As well as the imaging tests, your doctor can order blood tests to check for markers of inflammation.<\/p>\n Typically they will look at C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). If these levels are high it indicates that the body is fighting something which is further evidence of AS, potentially.<\/p>\n They will also test for the HLA-B27 gene. This is the genetic marker most commonly associated with a higher risk of developing AS (and is found in over 90% of patients).<\/p>\n If there is some indication that the patient may have AS they will likely refer them to a rheumatologist.<\/p>\n Rheumatologist specialise in diagnosing and treating arthritic conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis.<\/p>\n They’ll then review the your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order any additional tests (i.e. anything you haven’t had yet) to confirm the diagnosis.<\/p>\n Early diagnosis is so important for managing AS, so if you think you may have it please get in touch with your doctor.<\/p>\n This was a quick 2 minute explainer. For my more detailed guide on AS diagnosis, click here:<\/p>\n![\"how-is-ankylosing-spondylitis-diagnosed\"](\"https:\/\/gutheroes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/how-is-ankylosing-spondylitis-diagnosed.jpg\")
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