Ankylosing spondylitis is manifested by inflammation of the joints, which leads to a deterioration in their mobility and the formation of bone adhesions (alkyloses). Also, ankylosing spondylitis is accompanied by ossification of the ligaments in the spine, which leads to a gradual decrease in the flexibility of the spine. Estet-portal.com will tell you how ankylosing spondylitis manifests itself, what is known about this disease today: symptoms, causes, treatment effectiveness and other features of the disease.
Features of the manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis and symptoms of the disease
Ankylosing spondylitis, which is also called Bechterew's disease, develops gradually:
- first it affects the junction of the sacrum and ilium;
- then affects the lumbar spine;
- and further up the spine;
- as the disease progresses, it can affect any joint in the body.
However, damage to the joints – not the main danger of ankylosing spondylitis. Ossification of the ligaments of the spine, fusion of the vertebrae and loss of flexibility, with the result that the spine as a result can completely lose mobility. Of the dangerous complications of the disease – damage to the heart and aorta, lung diseases.
Symptoms of disease:
- slight pain in the lower back and buttocks;
- gradual increase in lumbar pain;
- transfer of pain to hip joints;
- gradual "rise" pain up the spine;
- at rest, the pain worsens (rather than decreases, as is usually the case with arthritis);
- stiffness of movement;
- restriction of spinal mobility;
- possible joint pain (shoulder, hip).
It is worth noting that the disease can progress quite slowly, so the patient may mistake it for some other disease or write it off as fatigue or an incorrect position of the spine.
Why does ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's disease) develop
Ankylosing spondylitis is sometimes referred to as an autoimmune disease because it is associated with abnormalities in the immune system. Why immune cells attack "native" body cells in the sacroiliac region and other areas of the body is not yet clear. However, the fact remains that in ankylosing spondylitis, lymphocytes consider harmless body cells (bones and cartilage) as enemies and begin to attack them, calling macrophages (cells that can absorb foreign organisms) to help. As a result, cytokines are produced that act on cells that cause inflammation. Therefore, ankylosing spondylitis – inflammatory and chronic disease.
Ankylosing spondylitis can also result in:
- eye damage (pain and redness, fear of light, cloudiness, lacrimation);
- heart failure;
- deterioration of kidney function;
- impaired lung function.
Peculiarities of diagnosis and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis
To make a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis required:
- x-ray of the sacroiliac joints;
- MRI;
- determination of the presence of the gene of predisposition to ankylosing spondylitis (HLAB27);
- definition of ESR and CRP;
- examination for infections (intestinal and urogenic);
- examination for comorbidities.
It is far from always possible to detect a disease in the early stages.
As far as the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is concerned, there are currently no cures for the disease. Therefore, treatment for Bechterew's disease is aimed at reducing inflammation, as a result of which it is possible to reduce pain and maintain spinal mobility. Used in treatment:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to combat inflammation (long-term use);
- antirheumatic drugs;
- corticosteroids;
- tumor necrosis factor blockers;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massages;
- rehabilitative therapy;
- in advanced cases – surgical intervention.
Ankylosing spondylitis, despite the chronic nature of the disease, still allows patients to lead an active lifestyle, provided that the course of treatment prescribed by a qualified specialist is followed. Regular visits to the doctor will help the specialist monitor the course of the disease and identify possible disorders in the internal organs that are characteristic of this disease. Therapeutic gymnastics every morning, correct posture, sleeping on a flat and not too soft bed with straightened legs, swimming, quitting smoking, proper nutrition and following the doctor's recommendations will help to significantly alleviate the course of the disease.
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