Spring TX Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctor Near Me

Are you searching “Spring TX ankylosing spondylitis doctor near me?” Well, Advanced Rheumatology of Houston’s sole rheumatologist, Dr. Brionez, has more than ten years of experience in the field of rheumatology. She has helped diagnose and treat various rheumatologic conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. This is a serious condition and can greatly impact your life.

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat arthritis, gout, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and more. These conditions are known as rheumatologic diseases, which affect connective tissues in the body. Connective tissues are considered muscles, joints, ligaments, organs, and bones. Each condition affects different connecting tissues in different ways. Dr. Brionez can help you overcome your condition.

Dr. Brionez can diagnose and treat your rheumatologic condition.

With more than ten years of experience, Dr. Brionez started her medical career at Texas A&M University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science. Afterward, Dr. Brionez attended Baylor College of Medicine for her Doctor of Medicine.

She also completed her Fellowship of Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Then, in 2007, Dr. Brionez was board-certified in internal medicine. Two years later, in 2009, she reached her goal of becoming a board-certified in rheumatology. Ever since 2009, Dr. Brionez has offered her medical advice to patients. She has diagnosed and treated various rheumatologic conditions. Below, you can find the full list of conditions she can help you with.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Lupus
Osteoarthritis
Gout
Spondyloarthritis
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Myositis
Vasculitis
Osteoporosis
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Scleroderma

Spondyloarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Spondyloarthritis is the term used for a family of inflammatory diseases that cause arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease within this family and is the most common type that occurs. Other diseases in this family include psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, and reactive arthritis.

This family of disease is unique in that they target entheses, which is where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. Symptoms will appear in a couple of different ways. Firstly, pain and stiffness occur. This will appear primarily in the back, but it can also occur in the arms, legs, and hips. Secondly, the destruction of the bone occurs, which can cause deformities. Deformities lead to poor posture, pain, and stiffness.

Anyone is capable of developing ankylosing spondylitis, but there is some suggestion that the condition is hereditary. Most patients carry a gene known as HLA-B27. This gene is found in most patients. However, there are many with the gene that do not develop the condition.

There is no known cause for ankylosing spondylitis, so researchers are still trying to discover what exactly is behind it. Thirty genes of the disease have been discovered, but there are still many questions.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a manageable disease and we can help.

Diagnosing Ankylosing Spondylitis

Anyone can develop ankylosing spondylitis, but it appears in certain ethnic groups more than others. The highest frequency of ankylosing spondylitis appears in Alaskan and Siberian Eskimos and Scandinavian Lapps. These cultures have a larger frequency of the HLA-B27 gene. Overall, the United States frequency is 0.5 percent. In addition to the ethnic preference, ankylosing spondylitis also appears more often in young men than women.

When it comes to diagnosis, a physical exam is the first step. Dr. Brionez may have you move or stretch to see what range of motion you have. She may also try to replicate the pain you experience with certain movements. From there, advanced imaging tests are used to identify changes in the bone. X-rays and MRIs are the most common tests.

Blood tests may be used to measure the level of inflammation in your body and identify if you have the HLA-B27 gene. However, identifying if you have the specific gene is not a good indication of whether you will develop the condition. Inflammation is also not a great way to determine a diagnosis because inflammation is common in many different conditions.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, so the goal of treatment is to alleviate pain and stiffness and prevent further deformity. Treatment is more successful before the disease causes permanent damage. There are many options when it comes to medication for this condition.

X-rays and MRIs can help identify ankylosing spondylitis.

The first step for medication are known as NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen. These medications can lead to reducing pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing swelling in one area, then corticosteroids can be injected into the joint. This form of treatment works quickly, so results should be seen almost immediately.

If the aforementioned medications are not effective, then disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may work more efficiently. If your case of ankylosing spondylitis is also affecting your arms and legs, then this medication option may be a preferred method.

Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Living with ankylosing spondylitis can be difficult, but it is manageable. It is important to note there are some greater health impacts to keep an eye on. Firstly, there are a number of conditions you could develop with this disease. Osteoporosis, inflammation of the eyes, psoriasis, and more are capable of developing.

When living with ankylosing spondylitis, you can expect to experience discomfort on and off. Pain and stiffness are common. That said, those with this condition live long and normal lives. Exercise is very important when managing this disease. It will help reduce pain and stiffness. A physical therapist would be greatly beneficial. In fact, they could develop a customized plan for your condition.

If you are a smoker, then you should quit. Generally, smoking is bad for your health. However, smoking can increase the effects of ankylosing spondylitis, so it is beneficial to stop.