This information is for anyone the people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Causes Ankylosing spondylitis 

Is an inflammation of the vertebral body that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. The reasons for this disease are not so far completely known. It is assumed that there is an immunological disorder that is genetic. 

Ankylosing Spondylitis 

Is one of the autoimmune diseases in which the immune system goes against its own body and damages the muscles of the body. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis characterized by long-term inflammation of the joints of the spine, typically where the spine joins the pelvis. With AS, eye, bowel problems and back pain may occur.

ankylosing spondylitis

 

Facts and figures

Ankylosing spondylitis 

Is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease. Technically, anyone, regardless of gender, can develop ankylosing spondylitis, although the symptoms were maybe less noticeable in women than in men. The disease is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35 years.

Symptoms: Typical symptoms and the course of the disease at a glance

The first sign of the disease is deep-rooted inflammatory pain in the back and/or buttocks, which is triggered by inflammation of the joints between the sacrum besides the ilium. Early-morning stiffness and pain, wearing off or reducing during the day with exercise Inflammation of the tendon attachments (e.g. on the heel)

Possible comorbidities,Involvement of the entire spine through to stiffening, Irisitis Psoriasis, Feeling better after exercise and worse after rest, Weight loss, especially in the early stages, Fatigue or tiredness, Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease), Inflammation of the knee and ankle joints, often with an asymmetrical pattern of involvement.

How does the physician make a diagnosis?

Questioning of the patient about the back pain, further symptoms, concomitant illnesses, as well as family disposition, Measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) A blood test to see if HLA-B27 is positive.

Use of imaging procedures:

X-rays, sonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance tomography and MRI. Where x-ray changes are not present on the other hand inflammation is visible on MRI or you have symptoms. Around 7 in 10 people with non-radiographic ankylosing spondylitis have visible inflammation in the sacroiliac joints or the spine when an MRI of the back is carried out.

Around 3 in 10 may not have any inflammation visible on MRI despite symptoms of back pain. Some may never go on to develop visible inflammation on MRI. The reasons for this are still not well understood but maybe because of the sensitivity of MRI.

Treatment:

How is ankylosing spondylitis treated?

Medicines from the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac (latest medicines for stiffness, Myonal tabs) are mainly prescribed for the pain, which on the one hand inhibit the inflammation and alternatively relieve back otherwise pelvic uneasiness if taken regularly.

Glucocorticoids are preparations containing cortisone that have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and have an immunosuppressive effect. H. they reduce certain reactions of the immune system with the intention of z. B. no more new bone formation occurs. Biologics regulate the activities of the immune system. The inflammatory processes are slowed down by a blockade of the tumor necrosis factor-α and prevent new inflammations in the joints.

Exercise:

Exercise is the single most important thing you can do to help yourself. To manage your [A.S(ankylosing spondylitis)] well, it’s not enough to rely on medication. You also have to exercise for doing daily tasks. Any exercise you decide to undertake needs to be regular, consistent, and kept up over the long term. Accordingly, it’s significant to choose something you delight in.

Tips for everyday life

Balanced, low-meat diet, physical activity (e.g. Nordic walking, swimming, physiotherapy), abstaining from nicotine.

For more information click here.