Spondylitis is a condition in which the joints in the spine become inflamed. In some cases, this will lead to two or more vertebrae in the spine to begin to fuse together. The process of the bone growth is called Ankylosis and can occur anywhere along the spinal cord, but is most common in the lower back and pelvic area. This bone growth causes pressure on the nerve roots of the spine and can result in pain and numbness in the extremities. There are many different forms of this condition, but the symptoms are very similar.

Forms of Spondylitis:

• Pott’s Disease
• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
• Reiter’s Syndrome
• Spondyloarthritis
• Enteropathic Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis

Spondylitis symptoms would include:

• Dull pain in the back
• Sharp Pains “in and out”
• Back stiffness
• Trouble walking/bending over
• Tingling Sensation

Over 45% of patients with Spondylitis will experience inflammation of the eye, causing redness, itching, and puffiness.

Causes:

• Natural Wear and Tear
• Degenerative Disc Disease •Genetics
• An Injury or infection