Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the back and sacroiliac joints. It may cause severe pain, stiffness, decreased mobility, and discomfort that is usually aggravated when a person is inactive.
Ankylosing spondylitis patients must find an appropriate physician since this disease needs long-term management and follow-up. The role of rheumatology is important in diagnosing and treating the inflammatory disease of the spine, while a neurologist is consulted if the patient experiences symptoms involving the nervous system.
The following editorial lists physicians for patients in Odisha searching for doctors specializing in ankylosing spondylitis:
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
- Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Parida
- Dr. Debashis Maikap
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis, which largely impacts the spine and the joints of the spine and pelvis. This condition may lead to pain and tightness due to its effect on the lower back and also the hip region.
Typically observed signs may encompass:
- Pain in the lower back
- Morning stiffness
- Pain that reduces with moving
- Limited flexibility of the spine
- Pain in the hip or buttocks
- Tiredness
- Pain or discomfort in other joints
In certain instances, the problem can create inflammation in other areas beyond the joints. Given that the problems can confuse with signs of other kinds of conditions, it is essential to consult a specialist.
Top 3 Doctors for Ankylosing Spondylitis in Odisha
1. Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya is a neurologist operating from Nilakantha Brain Clinic in Cuttack. This clinic regards him as a senior consultant & chief neurologist providing services in neurology.
He has qualifications like an MBBS, an MD in medicine, and a DM in neurology to his credit. Nilakantha Brain Clinic offers consultations in neurology and provides facilities and services for the evaluation and treatment of brain, spine, nerves, and other neurological problems.
A neurologist may help patients having ankylosing spondylitis having neurological symptoms regarding their nerves or spine, etc.
The neurological problems can be:
- Numbness or abnormal sensation
- Weakness
- Pain that radiates
- Balance problems
- Abnormal reflexes
Other neurological symptoms that suggest a nerve or spine problem.
Thus, it is essential to differentiate neurological complications from underlying inflammatory disease.
2. Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Parida
The editorial reference presents the name of Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Parida as second on the list of doctors found fit for patients finding specialty medical care for ankylosing spondylitis in Odisha.
Patients must keep in mind their symptoms, presumed diagnosis, past reports, and specific type of specialist medical care needed for ankylosing spondylitis when finalizing their choice of a doctor.
A clinical assessment may include:
- The onset and nature of back pain
- Morning stiffness
- Symptoms experienced in joints
- Earlier radiological evaluations
- Laboratory examination results
- Medical history of the family
- Response to previous treatments
The patients must verify the doctor’s present specialization, clinic availability, and aptitude in relation to managing their ankylosing spondylitis problems before they make an appointment.
3. Dr. Debashis Maikap
In Odisha, Dr. Debashis Maikap ranks third in the list of researchers engaged in the field of ankylosing spondylitis.
For the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, the patient would need to undergo a detailed medical history taking, examination of his condition, and additional investigations as deemed appropriate. The specific tests that would be undertaken would depend on the patient’s situation.
Patients must discuss:
- Back/hip pain
- Stiffness
- Duration of symptoms
- Details of earlier diagnoses
- Any imaging reports done
- Treatment taken
Choice of specialist and treatment plan varies with the patient’s clinical condition.
Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis You Should Not Ignore
Identifying ankylosing spondylitis early can allow patients to receive the needed medical evaluation.
Typical symptoms include:
Chronic Back Pain
Inflammatory back pain can be different from regular mechanical back pain. Ongoing symptoms, particularly those involving stiffness and improvement upon movement, should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Morning Stiffness
High levels of stiffness after waking that lessens with activity can be indicative of an inflammatory spinal condition.
Decreased Spinal Motion
Progressive inability to bend or move the spine may indicate a need for assessment, especially if combined with ongoing lower back pain.
Pain in the Hips or Back of the Buttocks
Pain in the hip and buttock area can accompany inflammatory back conditions and warrant assessment on its own or in conjunction with any of the other symptoms.
How Is Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosed?
The detection of ankylosing spondylitis is done by reviewing the patient’s medical history and performing a physical exam. The physician can choose from various ways of diagnosis.
Depending on the clinical situation, the physician may opt to conduct:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Tests for inflammation
- Testing for HLA-B27
- X-rays
- MRI of the sacroiliac joints or spine if necessary
It is important to remember that no one test can be applied to every patient. Diagnosis is done by comparing the results with both the symptoms and disease manifestations.
Why Specialist Care Matters for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Long-term management is often necessary for ankylosing spondylitis. The condition may interfere with mobility, pain, functioning, and quality of life.
Management may involve the following depending on the patient’s presentation:
- specialist evaluation
- medication adjusted according to clinical situation
- advice on physical exercise and activity
- physiotherapy
- evaluation of disease activity
- evaluation of associated diseases
- periodic follow-up
neurological evaluation in the presence of neurological symptoms
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Instead of assuming that your back pain is merely caused by bad posture or routine strain, it is advisable for anyone suffering from prolonged pain or stiffness to get examined by a physician.
Seek medical help if you are experiencing:
- New or worsening weakness
- Numbness that is painful
- Difficulty walking or keeping your balance
- Inability to control your bowels
- High levels of pain
- Newly acquired signs of nerve problems
FAQs
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an ongoing inflammatory ailment that mainly targets the vertebral column and sacrum bones.
What are the general signs of ankylosing spondylitis?
The main signs of the illness include ongoing discomfort in the back, stiffness in the morning, lack of mobility in the spinal column, discomfort in the castor and gluteal region, and feeling exhausted.
Who is the doctor who treats ankylosing spondylitis?
A rheumatologist is usually the one who examines and treats posturing problems like ankylosing spondylitis, but other specialists may be called in if other symptoms arise.
Is it true that ankylosing spondylitis may lead to nerve problems?
Spinal diseases may at times be linked to nerve disorders of different kinds, and new symptoms of weakness, numbness, or any other disturbances in the nervous system should be discussed with a doctor as soon as any of the symptoms appear.
Is MRI an effective tool used to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis?
MRI allows the discovery of the symptoms of inflammation and the changes in the structure of the spine only if a person is eligible for this diagnostic tool, yet the diagnosis of this illness is performed through clinical examination and various tests.
Conclusion
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can impact the spine, joints, mobility, and overall well-being of the patient. Symptoms such as chronic back pain, morning stiffness, and reduced mobility may call for assessment by a doctor qualified to treat this condition.
For people looking for medical treatment in Odisha, this list includes the following experts: Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya from Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Parida, and Dr. Debashis Maikap.
Prof. Dr. Rohit Chhirolya is a neurologist with DM (Neurology) training, and the Nilakantha Brain Clinic is located in Cuttack. Patients with cases of ankylosing spondylitis with neurological symptoms may require an opinion from a neurologist in addition to their treatment for the underlying disease.
ankylosing spondylitisThe doctor best suited for a particular case will be dependent on the symptoms, diagnosis, investigations, and specialty required by the patient. It is critical for patients suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis to have their condition assessed properly and receive appropriate follow-up care.
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