Spondylitis

What is Spondylitis?

Spondylitis refers to a subset of complex arthritic conditions that affect the vertebrae, pelvis, or accessory structures of the spine. These arthritic disorders can cause inflammation, swelling, or stiffness of the joints and vertebrae. In extreme cases, spondylitis can lead to fusion of the vertebrae or severe kyphosis (a pronounced, abnormal forward arcing of the upper back).

Spondylitis is usually divided into two subgroups: cases in which rheumatoid factor is detected in the bloodstream and instances in which this factor is absent. Rheumatoid factor indicates the presence of the autoimmune disease Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), in which the body’s immune system attacks the tissues that lubricate our joints. RA is one of the major causes of spondylitis.

The other subgroup of spondylitis occurs without rheumatoid factor and can emerge as a result of a variety of causes. One of the main types within this subgroup is Ankylosing Spondylitis, a condition which appears to be decidedly genetic. Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition whereby severe inflammation can promote fusion of vertebrae or the sacroiliac joint. This can eventually cause immobility of the spine and kyphosis (or an abnormal forward curvature in the thoracic spine).

 Although there is not a single cause of spondylitis, contributing factors to spondylitis may include:

What are the Symptoms of Spondylitis?

Spondylitis comes in all shapes and sizes, and as such, symptoms will vary from person to person. It may be simpler to think of spondylitis as a side effect of arthritic disorders, some of which appear in the symptoms below. Although individual symptoms will vary significantly, warning signs of spondylitis include:

Are you experiencing any of the troubling symptoms above? Dr. Frazier—hailed twice by the New York Times Magazine as a “Super Doctor”—has nearly 20 years of experience in resolving spondylitis and other forms of arthritic pain!

What are the Treatments for Spondylitis?

At this time, there is no cure for spondylitis. However, there are many treatment options that can provide relief from the painful symptoms of spondylitis. After consulting with your physician, your doctor may recommend a combination of the following treatments: hot/cold therapy, physical therapy, targeted exercises or stretches, acupuncture, massage, lifestyle changes such as weight loss or smoking cessation, or in certain situations, back bracing.

Depending upon the specific cause of your spondylitis and the severity of your pain, a physician may also prescribe medications and/or injections such as: NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, corticosteroids, Methotrexate for those with Rheumatoid Arthritis, or other medications.

Unfortunately, surgery may be required for some individuals who are facing extreme cases of spondylitis. For those experiencing spinal instability, neurological symptoms such as tingling, immobility weakness, or severe kyphosis, surgery may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and provide relief.

For those individuals who do require surgical treatment, our Harvard-trained surgeon, Dr. Frazier, may recommend one of the following techniques:

If you think you may have symptoms of spondylitis, or any other troubling spinal symptoms, Dr. Frazier is ready to help you find relief. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Frazier will work with you one-on-one to design a treatment plan that effectively addresses your pain.

Meet Dr. Daveed Frazier

Dr. Frazier is a Harvard-trained, board certified orthopedic spine surgeon. He’s held an academic appointment at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York’s SUNY Downstate. Dr. Frazier is also a respected lecturer, accomplished researcher, published author on spine disorders and treatment, and a consultant for several international spine companies.

After completing his undergraduate education at Brown University, Dr. Frazier attended Harvard Medical School, where he graduated cum laude. He completed a Harvard internship based at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, followed by a Harvard combined residency before becoming chief resident at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Schedule An Appointment

NYCS new form

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.