The spondyloarthropathies (SpAs) are chronic inflammatory diseases that involve the sacroiliac joints, axial skeleton, and, to a lesser degree, peripheral joints and certain extra-articular organs, including the eyes, skin, and cardiovascular system. are a family of related disorders that includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis (ReA; also known as Reiter syndrome [RS]), Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and,Behcet Disease. The spondyloarthropathies are associated strongly with HLA-B27.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) literally means "inflamed spine growing together," Although AS is associated strongly with HLA-B27, it does not develop in every person who is HLA-B27 –positive, indicating that environmental factors are important.

It is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and lately other joints, such as shoulders, hips, knees and feet. Clinical ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men than in women, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1 and the Prevalence is 0.1-1% of the general population between 18 to age 40 years and is more common in whites..

General symptoms such as fever and weight loss may occur during periods of active disease. Inflammatory back pain is the most common symptom and the first manifestation in approximately 75% of patients. Morning stiffness is characteristic, and fatigue is common. Uveitis (also called iritis or iridocyclitis) and several organs such as heart and lung could be one of extra-articular manifestations of the diseases.

Treatments including medications and exercise can help reduce the pain and stiffness. The earlier treatment for AS begins, the more effective it is likely to be.

Alternative Therapy for AS

You have to look further for a healthy outcome and need to convince yourself that arthritis can be relieved by alternative methods such as acupuncture, low level laser acupuncture (see video illustration in back pain section) and natural measures such as more active lifestyle and simple dietary change and a number of herbs such as ginger root and devil's claw. My advice is to add some oils such as flaxseed and evening primrose oil which contain GLA which have anti-inflammatory properties.