In fact, the joints of the spine, vertebral endplates and vertebral bone may all be inflamed. Clinically, there are rheumatoid spondyloarthritis, seronegative spondyloarthritis (negative rheumatoid factor), vertebral endplate inflammation and spinal osteoarthritis , these inflammations are not caused by bacterial infection, so we call it aseptic inflammation.
Seronegative spondyloarthritis, referred to as spondyloarthritis, can involve the spine, peripheral joints, and periarticular structures, and may also have extra-articular inflammation such as the gastrointestinal tract, eyes, skin, and cardiovascular system. According to the different parts of the body involved, it can be divided into axial spondyloarthritis and peripheral spondyloarthritis.
Axial spondyloarthritis with structural changes in the sacroiliac joints and/or spine is called ankylosing spondylitis, while those without structural changes are called radiologically negative axial spondyloarthritis.
It can be seen that ankylosing spondylitis is only a type of spondylitis, but we are more familiar with this kind of spondylitis every day, and this kind of spondylitis has a greater impact on the body.
Understanding the manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis will help us to detect early, seek medical treatment early, and treat early to prevent the disease from getting worse. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following symptoms persist.
The most typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips. The sacroiliac joints behind the buttocks are the most commonly involved joints.
The pain of ankylosing spondylitis is mainly night pain and pain following rest, and there are signs of improvement following activities. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis may also have peripheral symptoms, such as knee and hip pain; Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis; eye symptoms such as uveitis, iritis; gastrointestinal discomfort, inflammatory bowel disease disease manifestations, etc.
Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the common causes of intractable back pain in young people. If the symptoms are ignored and the disease progresses, it will cause severe limitation of physical activities and significantly affect the patient’s health status and quality of life. Due to the characteristics of high disability rate and high recurrence rate, and the lack of effective treatment methods in the past, this disease was once called “undead cancer”, and people talked regarding it with distaste.
In fact, ankylosing spondylitis is definitely not an “immortal cancer”. First of all, the course of ankylosing spondylitis progresses slowly. From the onset of symptoms to severe limitation of physical activities, there is a long process of disease progression ranging from years to decades. During the progression period, there is sufficient time to discover and control the disease. Moreover, the disease generally does not involve important organs and does not affect life expectancy. Secondly, at present, many drugs can effectively control the condition of ankylosing spondylitis. As long as the treatment is carried out in a timely and systematic manner, most patients can work and live like normal people.
Ankylosing spondylitis cannot be cured, but early comprehensive treatment can control the development of the disease.
medical treatement
It must be carried out under the guidance of a professional pain department, rheumatology department or orthopedic doctor. The most commonly used drugs for ankylosing spondylitis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunosuppressants, biological agents, etc. can also be used.
sports rehabilitation
Exercise is an integral part of the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Exercise can improve muscle strength, prevent spinal stiffness, and reduce pain.
Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Therapy
The pathological changes of ankylosing spondylitis include recurrent aseptic inflammation at muscle attachment points or tendon ends. Minimally invasive radiofrequency treatment can increase the temperature of local adhesive tissue, loosen the contracted soft tissue, improve local metabolism and nutritional status, and gradually recover Activity function.
Although drugs can significantly alleviate the condition, they have limited effect on preventing spinal deformation. While taking medication, it is necessary to strengthen psychological adjustment, carry out physical exercise and standardize daily behavior and posture.
◆Psychological adjustment, to help patients understand the disease from a scientific point of view, have the confidence to overcome the disease, cooperate with doctors, and carry out early and effective treatment.
◆ Carry out physical exercise cautiously and uninterruptedly, maintain the best position of spinal joints, enhance paravertebral muscle strength and increase lung capacity. Among them, swimming is a good way of exercise, and Tai Chi and walking are also helpful.
◆When standing, try to keep your chest up, your abdomen in, and your eyes looking straight ahead. Sitting should also keep the chest upright. Choose a relatively hard mattress, take the supine position when lying down, avoid positions that promote flexion deformity, and the pillow should not be too high.
◆ Reduce or avoid physical activities that cause persistent pain, and smokers should quit smoking.
◆ Prevent infection. Recent studies have found that the occurrence of this disease may be related to intestinal and respiratory tract infections. Therefore, we must persist in exercising, strengthening our physique, eating regularly, paying attention to hygiene, and preventing infection.
◆ There are no dietary taboos, usually eat more foods rich in protein and vitamins, such as meat, beans, fresh vegetables, etc., to promote the metabolism of muscles, tendons, bones, and joints.
