Spondylitis is an inflammation of the spinal cord bones. Ankylosing Spondylitis is a rare kind of arthritis that can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in your spine bones. Ankylosing Spondylitis is commonly referred to as Bechterew disease. It gradually starts from the lower back, and over time it spreads to various joints of the body. This can result in infusing the smaller bones present in the spine, making your back look hunched for this reason. 

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) can start showing early signs of the condition from the age of 17, though, in a few people, the characters show only at the age of 45. Even children can develop this condition. If you experience any of the symptoms, visit a rheumatology hospital for treatment. People affected with AS can offer the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the lower back
  • Stiffness of the spinal bone
  • Pain in the hip joint
  • Pain in the neck
  • Trouble in breathing
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • The appearance of rashes on the skin
  • Troubled vision

Causes that may Lead to Ankylosing Spondylitis

The cause of AS is medically unknown, though a few studies suggest that AS is developed through genes and is a hereditary condition. There are a few risk factors for AS like: 

Gender: Males have twice the risk of developing AS than females; the symptoms for both males and females differ. 

Age: People between the age of 20 to 45 are likely to develop the symptoms of AS.

Genes: AS is a hereditary condition and can be passed on through generations in case the family has a history of the disease.

Diagnosis of the Condition

An Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctor may conduct a physical examination on the patient, which includes analyzing the person’s motion, the specialist may also try to put pressure on a few points, and breathing exercises may also be performed to check in case of any trouble in breathing. 

Imaging Diagnosis

X-rays: X-rays can show the images of joints and bones, which can help decide the right Spondylitis Treatment. 

MRI Scan

This method utilizes a strong magnetic field and captures cross-sectional images that can help detect the condition much earlier. But MRI scans are quite expensive.

Lab Tests

 There is no specific lab test that proves the spondylitis condition. However, it can help detect a particular gene in the blood that can cause the illness.

Spondylitis Treatment

To date, there is no proper treatment for spondylitis, this condition can only be managed, and the pain can be reduced. If the treatment is not received at the right time, it can lead to a few permanent complications.

The objective of treatment is to soothe your pain and stiffness; prevent complications and spinal deformities. Ankylosing spondylitis treatment is the most effective before the condition causes irreversible damage to your joints. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen (Naprosyn) and indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex) are usually recommended by the Ankylosing Spondylitis normally to treat the condition. They can ease your irritation, pain, and stiffness. 

If NSAIDs aren’t useful, your Ankylosing Spondylitis doctor may propose beginning a biologic prescription, such as a cancer corruption factor (TNF) blocker or an interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor. TNF blockers focus on a cell protein that irritates the body, and IL-17 assumes a part in the body’s protection against disease and plays a role in inflammation. 

TNF blockers assist with reducing inflammation, stiffness, and swollen joints. They are controlled by infusing the drug under the skin or through an intravenous line.

Therapy

Physical therapy is a significant aspect of treatment and can give various advantages, from reducing discomfort to developing strength and adaptability. A physical therapy doctor may curate exercises especially that fit your requirement. 

Scope-of-movement and extending activities can assist with keeping up with flexibility in your joints and protect great posture. Proper resting and walking positions; stomach and back activities can help keep up with your straight posture. 

Medical Surgery

Surgery is recommended when there is severe pain and stiffness in your joints. However, most people with spondylitis do not require surgery. In the medical surgery process, the affected joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic joint. 

Complications of Ankylosing Spondylitis:

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition that does not restrict to the spinal cord alone; when treatment is not received, the inflammation begins to spread to the cervix and neck joints. In case your cervix seems to get affected by this condition, reach out to a Cervical Spondylitis Treatment. People with ankylosing spondylitis have higher chances of having a broken spinal cord.

  • Ankylosis (Fusion of joints)
  • Kyphosis (bending the spinal cord, which looks like a hunched back)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Inflammation of the eyes
  • Photophobia
  • Heart disorders
  • Pain while breathing
  • Inflammation of the jaws

Home Remedies to Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis: 

Other than seeing your PCP consistently and accepting your drugs as recommended, here are a few things you can do to help your condition. 

Stay Active

Exercise can assist with reducing the pain, helps in improving the flexibility of the bone, and works on retaining your up straight position. 

Hot and Cold Compress

Heat is applied to the joints with stiffness, and tight muscles can ease pain and stiffness. Try using a heating pad and taking hot showers and baths. Ice on inflamed regions can assist with reducing swelling. 

Try not to Smoke

If you smoke, quit. Smoking is terrible for your wellbeing, yet it causes different issues for individuals with ankylosing spondylitis, including further affecting breathing. 

Practice Great Posture

Working on standing straight before a mirror can assist you with staying away from a part of the issues related to ankylosing spondylitis.