Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, especially the spine. Precisely because it is not a very common disease, those affected demand more attention to this problem that is progressively affecting mobility. In addition, the back pain generated by the deformation of the joints affects all areas of the life of the patient with spondylitis.
What is spondylitis and how does it manifest itself?
- The causes that produce spondylitis are not known, but it is known that it responds to a genetic hereditary factor. The inflammation occurs above all in the spine, fusing the vertebrae together. This supposes the rigidity of the column and, therefore, a significant loss of mobility. But the inflammation can also affect other adjacent joints, so there are problems in the hip, neck and rib cage that can make breathing difficult.
- Spondylitis manifests itself in the first place with lower back pain, so it can be confused with simple lumbago. The pain appears above all when the affected person is at rest, which is why these patients often cannot sleep well, since they have to get up frequently to walk to relieve the pain.
- Over time, pain and stiffness spread to the neck, chest, hip, shoulder, or knee. Not only is mobility affected, but spondylitis can also present with fever, dizziness, fatigue, weight loss, anemia, and eye problems. And in the most serious cases, heart valves can also be damaged.
Diagnosis and treatment of spondylitis
- Spondylitis is difficult to diagnose. In any case, a family history and frequent x-rays of the hip and spine are needed to see the changes produced by inflammation in the joints. To help the diagnosis, a blood test will be necessary to confirm the genetic abnormality that causes the inflammation.
- As it is a chronic disease, the treatment is aimed at relieving pain and allowing the mobility of the patient to provide a better quality of life. Analgesics and anti-inflammatories are necessary to alleviate pain, but the fundamental basis of treatment is rehabilitation. The patient with spondylitis will have to carry out a series of continuous exercises to avoid loss of mobility and eliminate stiffness. The practice of swimming is presented as the most recommended exercise for those who suffer from this disease.
- There are also some special recommendations for spondylitis sufferers. Quitting smoking is essential due to the respiratory problems that result from inflammation of the rib cage. Maintaining proper body posture greatly improves joints, and sleeping on a hard mattress with a thin pillow is recommended. An alternating hot and cold shower to relax the muscles and the practice of moderate physical exercise are also among the recommended habits for those affected by spondylitis.