Spondyloarthritis is an umbrella term for a group of inflammatory diseases that cause joint inflammation, or arthritis. These conditions primarily affect the spine and may also involve other joints and areas where ligaments and tendons attach to bones. Let’s explore spondyloarthritis in more detail:

1. Types of Spondyloarthritis:

   • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): The most common type, mainly impacting the joints of the spine. It can also affect other large joints in the body.

   • Reactive Arthritis: Causes inflammation in the urinary tract, joints, and eyes. It can lead to inflammation of the spinal joints.

   • Psoriatic Arthritis: Can impact the spine (known as psoriatic spondyloarthritis) and cause neck pain.

   • Enteropathic Arthritis: Associated with inflammatory bowel disease and may cause pain in the spine, arms, and leg joints.

   • Juvenile Spondyloarthritis: Affects children and often causes pain in the pelvis, hips, ankles, and knees.

   • Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis: Shares symptoms similar to AS, including pain in the lower back, buttocks, and heels.

2. Symptoms:

   • Pain, stiffness, and swelling are common.

   • Bone damage may occur.

   • The specific location of symptoms depends on the type of spondyloarthritis:

     • AS often starts in the buttocks and lower back, spreading to the chest and neck.

     • Enteropathic arthritis may cause pain in the spine, arms, and leg joints, along with gastrointestinal symptoms.

     • Juvenile arthritis affects the pelvis, hips, ankles, and knees.

     • Psoriatic arthritis can impact the spine and neck.

3. Causes:

   • Genetics play a role, especially the HLA-B27 gene.

   • An imbalance of gut bacteria may also contribute to spondyloarthritis.

4. Treatment:

   • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics.

   • Physical therapy and exercise.

   • Lifestyle modifications: Proper posture, regular movement, and stress management.

   • Surgery in severe cases.

Remember to seek medical advice from Rajathat Pain Clinic Kolkata if you experience symptoms of spondyloarthritis. Early diagnosis and proper management can improve your quality of life.