Originally published June 28 2005
Spinal arthritis often overlooked in teens; can cause complications later in life
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Teens or children complaining of back pain aren't always experiencing growing pains, Science Daily reports, because researchers are finding many children actually have arthritis of the spine and other joints, which can cause complications later in life if overlooked.
""We need to diagnose their illnesses early and provide appropriate medications and other therapy.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, a 13-year-old--who may otherwise go undiagnosed--can experience significant relief of symptoms and potentially minimize or avoid disease-related disability later in life."
The life impact study was commissioned by the Spondylitis Association of America and involved more than 2,000 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.
Results were collected from a mail survey distributed in 2002, which gathered a range of information including analysis of work-related disability, functional impairment, self-reported quality of life and spinal involvement.
In addition to a delay in diagnosis, the researchers report that adults with childhood onset disease experience more serious physical deformity and work-related disability than those who develop the disease as adults.
"By surveying individuals with AS, we have learned that many people visit multiple doctors before receiving a diagnosis and that adults with childhood onset disease experience much greater impairment during later life," said Jane Bruckel, executive director and founder of the Spondylitis Association of America.
While back pain is the primary symptom of AS in adults, children often experience other symptoms of the disease.
* Ongoing or recurrent joint pain, including neck or back pain * Pain around knees, bottom of feet and ankles * Pain and stiffness that is usually worse in the morning * Pain and stiffness that improves with exercise and worsens with immobility * Swelling in the joints or other areas of the body, including where ligaments like the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone.
"It is common for children to experience 'growing pains,' but symptoms of joint aches and pains that last for weeks are unusual," said Warren.
"Parents who notice these symptoms in children should speak with their physician and determine if they should see a pediatric rheumatologist.
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