Core Viewpoint - Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) predominantly affects young males, and early diagnosis and standardized treatment are crucial to prevent disability [1][2][3] Group 1: Disease Characteristics - AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to inflammation at the tendon insertion points of the spine, resulting in fibrosis and calcification, which can cause spinal stiffness [1] - The incidence of AS is relatively low in China, but the total number of patients is significant, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1 to 3:1, and the peak age of onset is between 20 and 30 years [2] - Common symptoms include pain in the neck, chest, lower back, buttocks, hips, and large joints, with severe cases leading to spinal deformities and stiffness [2][3] Group 2: Diagnosis and Treatment - The average delay in diagnosis from the onset of symptoms to confirmation can take several years, often due to patients' lack of awareness about AS [3] - Early diagnosis is critical as there are currently no medications that can reverse joint deformities already present in AS patients [3] - Treatment options include non-drug therapies such as exercise, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biological agents like Adalimumab [5][6] Group 3: Patient Management and Education - Patients are encouraged to engage in daily physical activities, starting with low-intensity exercises to improve joint function and prevent stiffness [4][6] - Smoking is identified as a risk factor that can worsen AS symptoms, and quitting smoking is recommended for better outcomes [6] - Maintaining a positive mindset is emphasized as it can enhance the effectiveness of standardized treatment [6]

中新网北京6月21日电(赵方园)近日，周杰伦街头被偶遇弯腰驼背，略显憔悴，"周杰伦 强直性脊柱 炎"登上热搜。此前，李宇春、张嘉益等公众人物也曾透露被该疾病困扰。 强直性脊柱炎，究竟是个什么病？为什么被称为"不死的癌症"？哪些是高发人群？中新健康为此邀请北 京大学第三医院风湿免疫科主任医师穆荣和北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科主任医师刘栩进行解读。 容易被当作"腰肌劳损"延误病情 刘栩表示，强直性脊柱炎是一种以中轴关节受累为主的慢性炎症性疾病。虽然名称中带有 "脊柱" 二 字，但它并非骨科疾病，而是由于人体免疫系统紊乱所致，属于风湿免疫科疾病。 "之所以被称为'强直性'，是因为这种疾病通常起始于骶髂关节，然后逐渐进展到脊柱，引起慢性疼痛 和炎症。" 刘栩告诉中新健康，强直性脊柱炎主要累及骶髂关节、脊柱关节及髋、膝、踝、肩等四肢大关节，患者 可能会出现脊柱僵硬、强直，进而导致活动能力受限。 此前，有媒体报道福建三兄弟接连确诊强直性脊柱炎引发关注。强直性脊柱炎是否是遗传病？ "强直性脊柱炎的病因尚未完全明确，认为和遗传密切相关，与HLA-B27基因有关，但并不是绝对意义 上的遗传病，只能说是一种与遗传有密切关系的疾病。 ...