Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-lasting inflammatory disease that has an impact on the vertebral column as well as the joints articulating the vertebrae and the pelvis.
Proper specialist selection for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis will highly depend on the patient’s disease symptoms, diagnosis, disease stage, and complications encountered. Rheumatologists are mostly involved in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the spine, while neurologists become important when the patient experiences some complications or symptoms related to nerves and the spinal cord.
Below you can find the names of three doctors chosen in accordance with your search criteria.
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack.
- Dr. Syamasis Bandyopadhyay
- Dr. Sundeep Kumar Upadhyaya
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a condition that entails inflammation of the spine and joints such as sacroiliac joints. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Chronic back pain
- Stiffness in the morning
- Back pain that worsens after resting
- Leg or spine pain
- Fatigue
- Pain or swelling in other joints
Ankylosing spondylitis varies from patient to patient, and that is why it is important to get assessed on time because continuous inflammation can lead to reduced mobility.
Diagnosis may include checking medical history, laboratory tests, and imaging methods such as X-ray or MRI where appropriate.
Top 3 Doctors for Ankylosing Spondylitis in India
1. Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya is a neurologist who practices at Nilakantha Brain Clinic in Cuttack. He holds an MBBS degree, followed by an MD in Medicine and then a DM in Neurology, and has been providing care to patients for over two decades now.
He practices in several fields of neurology dealing with brain conditions, spinal cord conditions, and patients suffering from any diseases affecting both nerves and muscles as well as movement disorders. Moreover, the clinic specializes in rheumatology and physiotherapy, which can be beneficial when treating patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
Why His Profile May Be Relevant
In patients with ankylosing spondylitis who develop signs and symptoms related to the nervous system or the spine, a neurological evaluation may be necessary.
Depending on the situation, the neurologist may assess the patient for the following condition:
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness
- Changes in reflexes
- Nerve pain
- Problems with walking
- Possible involvement of the spinal cord or nerves
- Other signs and symptoms related to the nervous system
In addition, Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya offers online consultations that may be helpful for follow-up or second opinions.
2. Dr. Syamasis Bandyopadhyay
Dr. Syamasis Bandyopadhyay is named in this editorial introduction as the second physician for patients searching for specialists treating patients with inflammatory as well as musculoskeletal diseases.
When searching for a specialist for ankylosing spondylitis, patients must consider the doctor’s specialty, experience with inflammatory spinal diseases, the method of performing the diagnosis, and readiness to provide an ongoing treatment plan.
A doctor’s appointment may see an overview of the following issues:
- Back pain and stiffness
- Symptom duration
- Joint involvement
- Previous diagnostic tests
- Blood test results
- Medicine currently taking
- Response to treatments
- Limitations in daily activities
Patients should check the current qualifications, hospital affiliations, and services for ankylosing spondylitis treatment before booking an appointment.
3. Dr. Sundeep Kumar Upadhyaya
Part of the comparison for this editorial with regard to the patients seeking a specialist consultation for inflammatory spinal disease and musculoskeletal disorder, Dr. Sundeep Kumar Upadhyaya ranks third.
In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, specialist assessment includes evaluating inflammatory features of the patient, as well as formulating an optimal long-term treatment plan.
Patients are welcome to mention the following:
- Chronic pain in the back
- Morning stiffness
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Immobility
- Pain in joints
- History of imaging or laboratory investigations
- List of previous medications
- Nature of the disease
However, as with all other specialists, before visiting a physician, patients need to find up-to-date information about the facts about this physician, specifically concerning interpretation of ankylosing spondylitis.
Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis That Should Not Be Ignored
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are often confused with typical back pain. Unlike typical back pain, inflammatory back pain usually has a distinct pattern.
Symptoms may include:
- Back pain that lasts for more than a few weeks
- Stiffness in the morning
- Stiffness after sedentary activities
- Pain in the buttocks and hips
- Difficulty in moving the spine
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away
- Pain and swelling in other joints
People with long-lasting symptoms of unknown origin should visit a doctor instead of trying to treat themselves.
How Is Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosed?
Ankylosing spondylitis is usually diagnosed through a thorough medical history and physical examination.
Depending on the case, the physician may take the following into consideration:
History of the illness
Inquires about the onset and pattern of back pains, stiffness in the morning, family history of illness, and other related symptoms may be made.
Physical examination
Spinal mobility, the function of joints, and other relevant data may be assessed.
Blood tests
Laboratory tests may assist in determination of inflammation, but no single test can be definitive for all cases.
Imaging tests
X-rays and/or MRI might be ordered as necessary to assess the condition of sacroiliac joints and spine.
Why Long-Term Management Matters
As a chronic disease, ankylosing spondylitis requires continual management rather than just one treatment session. Some factors that may affect the treatment include:
- the appropriate medical treatment plan
- guidance with exercise and physical activity
- physiotherapy
- monitoring of disease activities
- handling of joint symptoms
- regular consultations with specialists
The treatment should be based on the patient’s condition and assessed carefully by the specialist.
When May a Neurologist Be Needed?
Since this condition is mainly linked to inflammation of the structures involved in the musculoskeletal system, the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis often falls under the jurisdiction of rheumatology. However, neurological assessment may start to become necessary when symptoms indicate damage to the spinal cord or nerves.
If symptoms include the following, a medical assessment should be obtained:
- New or progressive weakness
- Extreme cases of numbness
- New difficulties with walking
- No coordination
- Changes in bowel or bladder function
- High-intensity or otherwise problematic nerve pain
Such symptoms should not be neglected and may require prompt medical assessment.
How to Prepare for an Ankylosing Spondylitis Consultation
Before going to a doctor about ankylosing spondylitis, it benefits you to get some important medical records handy.
Bring or keep track of:
- Previous MRI or X-ray results
- Blood test results
- List of current medications
- Details of past treatments
- Length of time you have been having symptoms
- Description of your morning stiffness
- Location of pain
- Mobility issues
- Any opinions from your previous doctors
This will help the physician learn more about your history and decide what investigations should be done.
FAQs
What does “ankylosing spondylitis” refer to?
The term “ankylosing spondylitis” refers to a long-term inflammatory disease that primarily involves the spine and sacroiliac joints.
Which doctor is consulted about ankylosing spondylitis?
Rheumatologists can be expected to work with any type of inflammatory arthritis, including the ankylosing spondylitis condition. In other cases, different kinds of specialists can also be consulted when certain complications manifest.
Do nerves get affected in the case of a person suffering from ankylosing spondylitis?
Spinal complications and structural complications can in some cases lead to having neurological issues for the patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. All newly appeared symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, and inability to walk, need to be consulted with a doctor as soon as possible because they may require medical treatment.
Is there a cure for ankylosing spondylitis?
Typically, the disease is described as a chronic condition. Its treatment consists of controlling inflammation, monitoring mobility, treating symptoms, and limiting its complications.
Can ankylosing spondylitis be managed with the help of physical exercises?
Patients may start practicing physical activities and physiotherapy as a part of their treatment. Exercises need to be tailored according to the condition of the patients.
Conclusion
Accurate diagnosis, as well as effective management of ankylosing spondylitis, should be carried out individually. Due to its inflammatory nature, rheumatology solutions may play a major role, while neurological evaluation can take place with nerve symptoms or symptoms connected with spinal cord issues.
There are three authors in the editorial:
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
- Dr. Syamasis Bandyopadhyay
- Dr. Sundeep Kumar Upadhyaya
Patients should check doctors’ qualifications, specialty, location, and experience concerning their case before arranging a consultation with their choice specialists.
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