Do you also feel a lot of discomfort when you wake up in the morning with stiffness and pain in your back and spine? Is this back pain that persists throughout the day making it a challenge to do your daily activities? If you have symptoms like these, you may have a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis. This is a lifelong condition. But don't worry. You are not alone in this journey. There is a whole team of skilled doctors and specialists to help you and take care of you. Today, let's talk about who is on this team and how they can help you.
Why does this require a whole team?
Ankylosing spondylitis, or AS for short, is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the joints of the spine. To be precise, it is when the body's immune system attacks the joints of our spine. This causes inflammation, which causes pain and stiffness. Over time, it can affect not only the spine, but also other joints such as the hips, shoulders, knees, eyes, and even the intestines.
Simply put, AS is not a disease that is limited to one area of the body. That's why you need the help of a team of specialists in different fields, rather than just one doctor.
Who are the members of your health team?
Okay, so let's now see who the experts in this talented team are who will help you and what their role is.
| Specialist | How can I help you? |
|---|---|
| Primary Care Doctor | This is your family doctor. You will first go to him with your symptoms. He can diagnose your condition and refer you to a specialist if AS is suspected. |
| Rheumatologist | This is the main doctor for your AS. He or she has expertise in diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. The rheumatologist will prescribe medications (such as biologics) to control your pain, swelling, and stiffness, create a treatment plan, and regularly monitor your condition. |
| Physical Therapist | Exercise is a very important part of managing AS. A physical therapist will teach you the right exercises and stretches to loosen your joints, reduce pain, correct posture, and help you move your body more easily. |
| Occupational Therapist | This specialist helps you adjust your environment so that you can perform daily activities without pain. For example, they can teach you how to use a chair in the bathroom or how to use a grabber if you have difficulty picking up something that has fallen on the floor. |
Let's look at these experts in a little more detail.
Rheumatologist - Your best ally
AS is a rheumatic disease. Therefore , a rheumatologist is your primary care physician in managing this disease. In the beginning, you will see your doctor about every 2-4 weeks to see how the medications you are taking are working. Later, as your condition improves, you may see your doctor once a month or every few months. If you have any questions about your medications, how to use the auto-injectors, or side effects, you should ask your rheumatologist.
Physical Therapist - Freedom of Movement
Exercise is like medicine for someone with AS. A physical therapist will not only teach you exercises, but will also create an exercise program that is specific to your condition and that you can do . This may include deep breathing exercises (to expand your chest muscles), swimming, and water exercises. These can help maintain range of motion in your spine.
Ophthalmologist - Take care of your eyes too
Some people with AS may develop inflammation of the colored part of the eye, the iris. We call this iritis . In fact, sometimes your ophthalmologist may first suspect AS. He or she will use a special microscope to distinguish it from other eye diseases. If it is detected early, it is very easy to treat. So if you have symptoms such as redness, pain, or difficulty looking at light, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Gastroenterologist
Recent research has found a link between inflammation in the gut and AS. A small number of people with AS are also at risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis . If you have persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating, your doctor may refer you to a specialist.
Mental Health Therapist
When living with any chronic illness, it is extremely important to take care of both physical and mental health.
It's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and sometimes depressed when you live with pain and discomfort every day. Having someone to talk to and to comfort you during times like these can be a great source of strength. A mental health counselor can give you the mental strength you need to successfully cope with this challenge.
Surgeons
This is not often necessary. Surgery is only needed in the rare case of very severe AS, where the joints are severely damaged . An orthopedic surgeon will help with things like hip replacements, and a neurosurgeon will help with spinal or nerve problems. Keep in mind that this is a very rare occurrence.
Take-Home Message
- Although ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a lifelong condition, with proper treatment and management, you can live a good life.
- You are not alone on this journey. There is a whole team of doctors with expertise in various fields to help you.
- Your primary care physician will be a rheumatologist . It is very important to follow his or her advice.
- Along with medication , exercise and physical therapy are essential for controlling this disease.
- Take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Don't hesitate to seek the help of a counselor if necessary.
- If you have any questions about your illness or treatment, never be afraid to talk to your doctor .
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