Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), more commonly known as “arthritis of the spine” is not easily diagnosed. The disease has a predisposition to attacking young males from as early as late teens and can be difficult to diagnose. MRI scanning is now being used to speed up diagnosis and formulate a strategy for treatment. Ankylosing Spondylitis responds well to a new breed of drugs known as  biological response modifiers (i.e., TNF alpha blockers, biologics, etc.). Unfortunately, these drugs can come at a huge cost for the average sufferer and are not always nationally funded. This article by the Calgary Herald gives a concise overview of AS and determines the future prospects for current and undiagnosed sufferers. Highly recommended …

Source: The Calgary Herald

Related posts:

1. Arthritis Drugs May be Causing Cancer in Children [ad] The FDA reports today that a family of drugs known as TNF blockers (designed to interfere with a chemical in the body which causes...