Do you sometimes feel constant pain and stiffness in places like your back, neck, and hips? Especially when you wake up in the morning, do you feel stiff and stiff, and for a while you can't even bend or walk properly? One possible reason behind these symptoms is a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis. Many people are scared when they hear this name, but if you manage it properly, you can live a normal life. So, let's talk about this simply and clearly today.
What really causes this? (What May Cause Ankylosing Spondylitis)
Doctors have not yet been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the disease, but current research suggests that it is caused by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors .
One of the most important discoveries in this research is the antigen HLA-B27 . Simply put, an antigen is something that can stimulate our body's immune system. Normally, these things (HLAs) in our immune system are responsible for distinguishing between germs that enter the body and healthy cells in the body. It's like a security guard in our body.
But this one, called HLA-B27, is a little different. It sometimes attacks our own healthy cells and tissues. About 90% of people with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) have this gene called HLA-B27. Therefore, checking for this gene in a person's blood is a test that can be done if there is any suspicion of the disease.
However, there is something important that you must remember here. Just because someone has the HLA-B27 gene does not mean that they will definitely develop AS. Also, not everyone with AS has this gene. This means that this gene is not the only cause of the disease, it is only a major risk factor.
Apart from this, there are several other risk factors.
- Gender: Although women can also develop this disease, men are more likely to develop it.
- Age: Although it can develop at any age, it most often begins in adolescence , between the ages of 17-20 and 30.
Why does it take so long to diagnose?
It can often take years to accurately diagnose this disease, largely because there is no single "perfect" test that specifically identifies this disease.
When you see a doctor, he or she will listen carefully to your symptoms and order blood tests and imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI. These tests don't take long to perform. However, the reason for the delay in diagnosis is that many people mistakenly think that the early symptoms are just a simple backache or aches and pains caused by exertion . Therefore, it takes a while for a doctor to even suspect this. Therefore, if you have persistent back pain, it is very important to seek medical advice without ignoring it.
What are the latest treatments for this?
There is no cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis yet. But don't worry, there are now many good treatments that can help you manage your symptoms, greatly reduce the progression of the disease, and live a comfortable life.
| Treatment method | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | These are the first-line treatments. They help reduce pain and stiffness. Sometimes your doctor may tell you to use them continuously, not just when you have pain. However, it is important to use them only as directed by your doctor , as they can cause serious health problems, such as high blood pressure. |
| TNF inhibitors | These are a type of biological medicine. They help reduce inflammation in the body and stop the disease from worsening. They can be used along with regular painkillers. |
| IL-17 inhibitors | This is another class of drugs that control inflammation, like TNF inhibitors. These are also used on medical prescription. |
| Physical Therapy | This is something you should definitely do. It helps a lot to reduce pain, increase flexibility and strength in the body. A physical therapist will teach you what exercises to do to maintain your posture. |
| Surgery | Surgery is often not necessary. However, your doctor may recommend surgery only in very severe cases , such as if there is extensive damage to the joints or a major problem with the hip. |
Things you can do to manage symptoms
Along with medication and physical therapy, small changes to your lifestyle can go a long way in helping to manage these symptoms.
- Avoid smoking completely: You probably know that smoking is bad for the entire body. Especially for someone with AS, smoking is more likely to cause things like breathing difficulties.
- Maintain good posture: Practice keeping your back straight when sitting in a chair and standing. This can reduce the risk of back pain due to the disease. Physical therapy can help you with this.
- Use cold and heat: Applying ice packs to swollen joints can help reduce swelling. Applying a heating pad or taking a hot bath can help relieve stiffness and pain.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help maintain flexibility and reduce pain. Walking and stretching for a short period of time every day is a good idea. However, ask your doctor or physical therapist what exercises are right for you.
- Eat a healthy diet: Foods like fast food, oily food, and fried foods can increase inflammation in the body. Instead, include foods that reduce inflammation in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fish rich in omega-3.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing Spondylitis is not just a common backache. It is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the spine and joints.
- Although having the HLA-B27 gene is a major risk factor for developing the disease, not everyone who has it develops the disease.
- Early diagnosis is very important. If you have persistent back pain and stiffness, especially in the morning, be sure to talk to your doctor .
- Although treatment cannot completely cure the disease, it can control symptoms and prevent progression of the disease. Medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes are very important for this.
- Avoiding smoking, maintaining proper posture, exercising, and eating a healthy diet will give you great strength to live successfully with this condition.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න