Do you also have Ankylosing Spondylitis? Let's learn about the medical team that treats this disease!

Do you feel stiff or sore in your back when you get out of bed in the morning? Does this pain subside after a while, when you walk? Or do you struggle with persistent pain in places like your hips and heels? These could be early signs of a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Simply put, it is a condition that causes swelling and inflammation of the joints in the spine and pelvis. Since it is a lifelong condition, treating it is not something that can be done by one person alone. It requires a good team of skilled doctors and health professionals. Today, let’s talk about this valuable team that will help you on your health journey.

The first step and main driver of the treatment journey

Your family doctor (Primary Care Doctor)

In most cases, the first thing you will see when you have these symptoms is your family doctor or general practitioner (GP). He or she will listen to your symptoms carefully, examine you, and if they suspect that you may have AS, they will refer you for the necessary basic tests. They may also prescribe basic painkillers. However, to accurately diagnose the disease and develop the most appropriate treatment plan, you will definitely need to be referred to a specialist.

Rheumatologist - Your primary care physician

Simply put, a rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. Since Ankylosing Spondylitis is also a rheumatic disease, he or she will be the key person in your treatment journey.

A rheumatologist will diagnose your condition, assess its severity, and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. He or she will prescribe medications to control the pain, swelling, and stiffness in your back and other joints. Initially, you will need to see your doctor every two to four weeks to see how the medication is working for you and whether the condition is under control. Once the condition is under control, you may need to see your doctor once a month or every few months.

To improve body function and movement

Physical Therapist

In AS, the spine can gradually stiffen and curve forward. To prevent this and maintain flexibility and movement, physiotherapy is essential. A physiotherapist is a person who has received special training in helping people with movement problems.

He will assess your condition and create a specific exercise program for you.

• Stretches: These help reduce stiffness in areas like the back, neck, and hips.
• Help maintain good posture: Teaches how to keep your back straight, sit, and stand properly.
• Deep breathing exercises: Since AS can cause the chest to tighten, these exercises are essential to keep the lungs functioning well.
• Swimming and water activities: These are great for moving joints without pain, as the weight of the body is less in the water.

Occupational Therapist

When most people hear the name occupational therapist, they think of someone who works in the workplace. But that's not the case. An occupational therapist helps you perform your daily activities more easily and without pain.

For example, if you have back pain and are having difficulty picking up something from the floor or putting on your shoes or socks, an occupational therapist can help you find a way to do that task more easily, or an assistive device. For example:

• A shower bench for use in the bathroom
• A grabber is a device that helps if you have difficulty reaching out to pick up something that has fallen on the floor.
• A device that makes it easier to get in and out of a car (car ladder)

In this way, he will help you make your home and work environment comfortable for you.

Specialists for other problems that may arise due to AS

Nutritionist

Some foods can increase inflammation, while others can decrease it. Also, controlling your weight is important to reduce the pressure on your joints. A nutritionist can give you accurate advice on which foods are best for you, which foods reduce inflammation, and which foods to avoid.

Mental Health Therapist

Living with a lifelong illness can be emotionally challenging. You may feel frustrated, depressed, or anxious at times because of the pain and difficulty in carrying out daily tasks. It is important to have someone to talk to about this. A mental health counselor can help you manage your emotions and face this challenge with strength.

Only as a last resort...

Surgeons

This is very important: AS patients rarely need surgery. Most people can manage the disease well with medication, exercise, and other treatments.

However, in very severe cases, if a joint, such as the hip, is completely damaged, an orthopedic surgeon may perform a hip replacement surgery. Similarly, if a severe spinal deformity causes a pinched nerve, a neurosurgeon may be needed. However, remember, these are very rare cases.