Are you searching “The Woodlands TX ankylosing spondylitis doctor near me?” If so, Advanced Rheumatology of Houston and Dr. Brionez can help. With more than ten years of experience, Dr. Brionez has the experience and knowledge to help diagnose and treat your condition.
An ankylosing spondylitis doctor is known as a rheumatologist who treats diseases known as rheumatologic conditions. These conditions affect the connective tissues within the body. Connective tissues are considered as joints, organs, muscles, ligaments, bones, and organs. Dr. Tamar F, Brionez has great experience diagnosing and treating patients with various rheumatologic diseases.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a serious condition where the vertebrae fuse.
She started her medical career by attending Texas A&M University. Dr. Brionez obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science. Afterward, she secured her Doctor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. She also completed her Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Then, in 2007, Dr. Brionez became board-certified in internal medicine. Two years later, in 2009, she achieved her goal: a board-certified rheumatologist. Since then, Dr. Brionez has been in practice. She has helped many patients live with their rheumatologic condition. Of course, rheumatologists diagnose and treat arthritis, lupus, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and so much more. You can see the full list of conditions Dr. Brionez can help with.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Lupus
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Spondyloarthritis
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Myositis
- Vasculitis
- Osteoporosis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Scleroderma
Spondyloarthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of spondyloarthritis, which is a group of diseases that causes arthritis in primarily the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is the most common type of arthritis in this family. Others include psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis. These diseases are unique because they involve the enthesis, which is the connective tissue between a ligament and bone.
This family of diseases manifest in two different forms of symptoms. First, inflammation occurs in the form of pain and stiffness in the spine. Second, the bone in the spine deteriorates, which causes deformities. This can also lead to poor function of the shoulders and hips. In some cases, pain and swelling are felt through the arms and legs known as peripheral spondyloarthritis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, the small bones in the spine fuse together. The fusion of the vertebrae leads to a hunched position. The ribs can also be affected by the disease in which breathing can be affected. The most common demographic affected by this inflammatory disease are men. More often than not, young men develop this disease.
There are a handful of symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. It will start out as back pain and stiffness. You may also feel these symptoms in your hips or arms. The worst of these symptoms come after long periods of inactivity, such as the morning. Symptoms can either worsen, lesson, or stop due to the inactivity of the disease.
There is no known cause for ankylosing spondylitis. However, there are theories as to what exactly contributes to its development. The gene known as HLA-B27 is recognized as having an association with the disease.
Most patients with this disease carry this specific gene. However, there are also many people with this gene that do not develop ankylosing spondylitis. So, it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause. Overall, heredity is a large player in whether a person will develop the disease.
Advanced imaging like an x-ray or MRI can help diagnose this condition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In order to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis, Dr. Brionex may have you bend different directions. This will help her determine the range of motion you have and see if it produces any pain. If you are experiencing chest pains, then she may also ask you to take deep breaths.
In addition to these motions, she will use advanced imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI. These tests can reveal any changes within the bone structure. There is no one test that can diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. Blood tests can detect inflammation, but inflammation is common in hundreds of diseases. So, it is not the best way of identifying this spondyloarthritis.
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. However, there are treatment options for the symptoms it creates. Dr. Brionez will work with you to reduce pain, stiffness, and prevent deformity. There are many medications capable of reducing the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, but the use will vary with each patient.
Therapy is a great treatment option because it can improve your range of motion, reduce symptoms, and improve posture. In fact, therapists can design a plan for your specific case. They can also help you sleep and walk properly to greater improve your condition.
Dr. Brionz will help you diagnose and treat your ankylosing spondylitis.
Even though ankylosing spondylitis is not curable, patients with the disease can make changes in their lifestyle to improve their condition. Firstly, they should stay active. Exercise is an important regimen for any type of arthritis because it can help reduce pain and stiffness. Secondly, practice good posture. As aforementioned, a therapist can help you achieve this. Finally, quit smoking if you do. Overall, smoking is terrible for your health. It can be worse in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, so it is beneficial to stop.
The Woodlands TX Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctor Near Me
Ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthritis diseases are serious diseases. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms aforementioned, then schedule an appointment with your family doctor. If they suggest you see a rheumatologist, then contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. Dr. Brionez has more than ten years of experience and will provide you with her medical advice.
Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is capable of treating and diagnosing various rheumatologic conditions. Contact our clinic today by calling (281) 766-7886 or by filling out the form on our contact us page. Regardless, Advanced Rheumatology of Houston has the expertise and experience you need.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a severe issue, and it is beneficial if it is diagnosed early. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Brionez, so she can help you live a more comfortable life and prevent further problems. You do not have to keep living in pain and discomfort. Once you have contacted us, you can stop searching “The Woodlands TX ankylosing spondylitis doctor near me.”
Fun Facts about The Woodlands
- Creekside is one of nine villages that make up the Woodlands Township.
- Woodlands High School is the largest high school in the state! Woodlands High School is one of the top high schools in the country!
- Creekside is considered a commuter town, but there are a lot of nice recreational activities here! There are over 200 miles of fun outdoor activities in the Woodlands area!
- Find more fun facts about The Woodlands here.
