Do you also start your day with a stiff, aching back when you wake up in the morning? Does this pain gradually decrease after walking a little and doing something useful? If you have symptoms like these, it may be an early sign of a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis. Don't be afraid when you hear this name. This is not a death sentence. You can live successfully and happily with this condition. Today, we will talk about everything in simple terms.
Simply put, what is ankylosing spondylitis (AS)?
Ankylosing spondylitis, or AS for short, is actually a type of arthritis. It mainly affects the joints in your spine . In this disease, there is severe inflammation around the joints in your spine and hips. When this inflammation lasts for a long time, our body tries to heal it. But in this process, new bone fragments form and the vertebrae fuse together. Like a bamboo tree, the spine can become straight and unable to bend or extend. This is called spinal fusion . This is what causes back pain and stiffness.
The most important thing is to diagnose this disease at an early stage and get the right treatment from a qualified doctor. If you do that, you too have the opportunity to live a largely normal, pain-free life.
What is the treatment for this disease?
There are now many advanced treatments available to manage AS. Your doctor will examine your condition and prescribe the treatment that is best for you. Let's look at some of the commonly used medications.
| Drug Type | Examples | Simply functional |
|---|---|---|
| TNF inhibitors | Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel) | It reduces pain and swelling by blocking the protein TNF that causes joint inflammation. |
| Anti-interleukin-17 (IL-17) therapy | Secukinumab (Cosentyx) | It targets another chemical molecule called IL-17, which causes inflammation, and stops its activity. |
| For pain control | Gabapentin | Although this is actually a medication for epilepsy, it helps control nerve-related pain in AS patients. |
| For additional risks | Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Benazepril (Lotensin) | AS patients are at slightly higher risk of heart disease, so they may need medications like these to control blood pressure and cholesterol. |
Important: Never make decisions about these medications or change the dosage on your own . Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Make exercise a part of your life.
Exercise is like medicine for someone with AS. Without exercise, back stiffness can increase and range of motion can be limited. So it's important to stay as active as possible.
What kind of exercise is good?
- Range-of-motion exercises: These are exercises that increase the range of motion of your joints. Simply put, things like rotating your neck and twisting your hips from side to side. These are great for reducing back stiffness.
- Strength exercises: Exercises that build strength. These strengthen muscles and provide good support for joints. But you should do these within your limits. For example, if you are doing push-ups, you can do them with your knees on the floor. If you are lifting weights, you should do them carefully so that you do not strain your back.
- Aerobic exercises: Exercises that increase the heart rate. Things like walking, cycling, etc. Swimming is one of the best exercises for AS patients. Because the body does not feel heavy in the water, there is no pressure on the joints.
Imagine, you may not be able to walk 10,000 steps a day. But don't let that be a problem. Trying your best, at least 3,000 steps a day, is a big achievement. The important thing is to start.
Be sure to think about mental health too.
Living with a long-term illness can be stressful, not just physically, but mentally. It's common to feel sad, angry, and frustrated when you can't do the things you used to enjoy (climbing mountains, running, jumping).
What do you do about this?
1. Talk: Don't keep your feelings bottled up inside. Talk to your family or a trusted friend about it. Saying, "My back hurts a lot today, so it's hard on my mind," can also be a great relief.
2. Seek counseling: If necessary, it is very important to seek the help of a counselor. It is nothing to be ashamed of. They can help you cope with this situation mentally and emotionally.
3. Establish a routine: Establish a routine where you wake up, work, and exercise at the same time every day. This will add discipline and purpose to your life. It's much better mentally to engage in even a small task than to just stay home and watch TV.
4. Having a pet: The psychological relief that comes from having a pet, especially a dog, is immense. The love and support they provide is priceless.
Ultimately, your life is not worth anything because of this disease. You are still valuable to your family, your friends, and the work you do. You may have to make some changes, you may have to give up some things. But it is not the end of your life. Make the most of every day you have.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a manageable condition. It is not the end of life.
- It is very important to diagnose the disease at an early stage and seek treatment from a qualified doctor.
- Take the medications your doctor prescribes exactly and on time.
- Daily exercise is essential to reduce pain and maintain joint flexibility.
- Take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- Always remember that you can still live a valuable, meaningful life.
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