Do you sometimes feel a strange ache or stiffness in your lower back, hips, and buttocks (that is, above your buttocks)? Especially when you wake up in the morning. This may not be just a simple backache. Today we are going to talk about a long-term type of arthritis called Ankylosing Spondylitis that shows these symptoms. Don't worry, we will talk about this simply.
What is this (Ankylosing Spondylitis)?
Simply put, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints in your spine . Sometimes doctors also call it Axial Spondyloarthritis. It mainly affects the lower part of your spine, the joints where your hip bones (pelvis) meet. We call these joints (Sacroiliac joints) .
Think about it, the sacroiliac joints are where the triangular bone at the end of your spine (sacrum) and the top and back of your hip bone (ilium) meet. These are like the two main bridges that connect your spine and hip area. In fact, these are some of the largest joints in your body. These joints are used every time you move, every time you move your hips back and forth. So how does it feel when you have a problem with them?
Also, for some people, although not everyone, Ankylosing Spondylitis can affect other joints as well. For example:
- Your shoulders
- Hips
- Knees
This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms . If you have lower back pain, especially if it is getting worse and making it difficult to perform daily activities, it is important to see a doctor for advice.
What are the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The symptoms may vary from person to person. However, the most common symptom is lower back pain . This is caused by inflammation or Sacroiliitis in the sacroiliac joints.
This pain can sometimes spread to other areas, for example:
- Pain in the hip joints
- Pain in the buttocks
- Neck pain
- Some people may also experience abdominal pain.
In addition, there may be several other symptoms:
- Stiffness or inability to move the hip joints and lower back properly . This is especially noticeable when you first get up in the morning, or after standing for a long time in the same position.
- Feeling tired all the time (Fatigue) . As if the body has no life.
- Some people may experience difficulty breathing (dyspnea) .
- Loss of appetite or weight loss for no apparent reason .
- Some people may experience diarrhea .
- Skin rashes .
- Vision problems are also possible.
Why does this (Ankylosing Spondylitis) occur?
Ankylosing Spondylitis is an autoimmune disease . Simply put, our body has an army that fights against enemies, called the immune system. This is to protect us from diseases. But in this autoimmune disease, our own army mistakenly attacks our own good cells. It's like attacking our own home.
The exact cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis is not yet known. However, research has found that several specific genetic mutations are strongly linked to the disease. These genetic mutations are small changes that occur in our DNA when our cells divide, meaning new cells are formed.
There are more than 60 mutated genes that are thought to be associated with the disease. One major example is the HLA-B27 gene . It has been found that more than 90% of white people with Ankylosing Spondylitis have this mutated HLA-B27 gene.
Who is at higher risk of developing this disease?
Anyone can develop this disease, but certain groups are more likely to develop it.
- People under 40 years of age : More than 80% of people with Ankylosing Spondylitis are diagnosed by the age of 30.
- Men are more likely to develop this.
- If someone in your family, especially your parents, has Ankylosing Spondylitis, you are at risk of developing it too.
Also, people with certain other diseases are more likely to develop Ankylosing Spondylitis. For example:
- (Crohn's disease) (an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract)
- Ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory condition of the large intestine)
- (Psoriasis) (skin disease)
What are the possible complications of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
People with Ankylosing Spondylitis are at increased risk of spinal fractures because the bones in the spine can weaken over time.
Other complications may also occur:
- Fused vertebrae : This makes it difficult to bend or turn the spine, and makes it impossible to keep the spine straight.
- (Kyphosis) : This means that the spine is bent forward, making it look like someone is hunching over.
- Osteoporosis : Bones become brittle and easily breakable.
- Eye and vision problems : For example , uveitis (inflammation of the inner layer of the eye) or light sensitivity may occur.
- Heart disease : Conditions such as (Aortitis) (inflammation of the aorta), (Arrhythmia) (irregular heartbeat), and (Cardiomyopathy) (weakening of the heart muscle).
- Nerve damage .
These complications do not occur in everyone, but the risk of them occurring is higher if the disease is not properly controlled.
How do doctors diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis?
A doctor will first diagnose this condition by doing a physical exam . They will examine your body and talk to you about your symptoms. It is important to tell your doctor about when you first started experiencing pain or other symptoms, what time of day you feel them the most, and whether they get worse with any activity.
You may also need to see a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and similar diseases .
What tests are used to diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis?
There is no single test that can confirm the presence of this disease at once. The doctor will come to a conclusion after conducting several tests.
- X-rays of the sacroiliac joints and spine : These check for signs of arthritis.
- (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI) : This can see more details than an X-ray. It can even see subtle changes in the joints.
- Blood tests : You can do a blood test to see if you have the previously mentioned mutated gene (HLA-B27). However, not everyone who has this gene will develop Ankylosing Spondylitis, and even those who do not have this gene can develop it. So this is only one factor.
How is Ankylosing Spondylitis treated?
Your doctor will recommend treatments that can help control your symptoms and reduce the impact of the disease on your daily life.
The most commonly used treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis are:
- Exercise : Regular physical activity can help reduce joint stiffness and stop the disease from getting worse. For many people, the pain gets worse when they are not doing anything. A physical therapist can suggest specific stretches and exercises that strengthen the muscles that support your back and spine.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, it is best to talk to a doctor before taking these medications for more than 10 days.
- Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) : These are prescription medications that reduce inflammation and pain. They can also stop the disease (Ankylosing Spondylitis) from getting worse.
- Corticosteroids : These are also prescription anti-inflammatory medications. Sometimes, cortisone shots may be given directly to the affected joints.
- Surgery : Surgery is rarely necessary for ankylosing spondylitis. Doctors usually recommend surgery only for people with severe symptoms who have not responded to other treatments.
How soon will I feel better?
Once you start treatment, you will gradually start to feel better. Your symptoms may not go away completely, but as you find a treatment that works for you, your symptoms will decrease and your life will become easier. Exercise and physical therapy are things that take time to work. Also, the time it takes for each medication to work varies. So ask your doctor about how long you can expect to see improvement.
What should someone with Ankylosing Spondylitis expect?
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a chronic, long-term condition . You may have to manage your symptoms for a long time, perhaps your whole life. Some people may have periods of fewer or milder symptoms (remissions). However, even if you are symptom-free for a while, they can still come back.
The important thing is, there is no cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis or any other type of arthritis. But that doesn't mean you have to live in pain.
Talk openly with your doctor about how you are feeling, how your symptoms are affecting your daily activities, and how you are doing the things you love.
How should I take care of myself?
In addition to following your Ankylosing Spondylitis treatment regimen, there are several things you can do yourself to reduce inflammation in your body and reduce pressure on your joints:
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise plan that suits you.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- If you smoke, stop. This can increase inflammation.
When should I see my doctor?
See a doctor if you develop new symptoms or if your symptoms get worse. Also tell your doctor if your treatment doesn't seem to be controlling your symptoms as well as it used to.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Vision problems
- Severe back pain or other joint pain
- If your spine feels unusually stiff and unable to bend
- If you are losing weight for no apparent reason
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Some questions you can ask your doctor:
- Do I have Ankylosing Spondylitis or another type of arthritis?
- Will I need to have genetic testing?
- What treatments can help control my symptoms?
- Will I need physical therapy?
Finally, things to remember
Living with any type of arthritis can be tough. If you have Ankylosing Spondylitis, it can be a real pain in the ass. The pain, stiffness, and other symptoms can take a toll on your daily life. But the good news is that Ankylosing Spondylitis is a manageable condition.
Your doctor can help you find treatments that can help reduce the impact your symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis have on your daily life. Don't be afraid to ask questions and talk about your treatment. You know best how you feel. So share your thoughts with your doctor.
` Back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis, immune system, spine, treatment, HLA-B27
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න