Spondylitis

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. If you experience symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, consult a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Does Rilassáre's complementary medicine replace traditional medicine?

No. Our complementary medicine protocols (nutrition, psychological support, and general medicine) are designed as an adjunct to the treatment a patient may already be receiving, never as a substitute. Every case is individually assessed by our medical team, since no intervention is free of risk and its suitability depends on each person's clinical history.

What is spondylitis?

It is a form of chronic arthritis. It mainly affects the bones and joints at the base of the spine, where it connects with the pelvis. These joints become inflamed and swollen, and over time, the affected vertebrae may fuse. It is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by pain and gradual joint stiffening, with an unknown origin. It typically appears between ages 20 and 40 and is more common in men. A definitive diagnosis may take one to three years.

Symptoms of spondylitis in adults

Ankylosing spondylitis can cause various symptoms, but they usually include:

• • Neck pain and fatigue.
• • Rarely, it can lead to kidney disease.
• • If the ribs are affected, it may be difficult to breathe deeply.
• • Chest infection.
• • Cardiovascular issues that damage the heart and blood vessels.
• • Bone weakness caused by osteoporosis.
• • Inflammation where the tendon attaches to the bone (enthesitis).
• • Pain and swelling in other parts of the body due to joint inflammation (arthritis).
• • Back pain and stiffness, including lower back pain.

Causes and risk factors of ankylosing spondylitis

The causes of this condition are still unknown, but it has been found that people with a specific gene (HLA-B27) are more likely to develop it.

There is no specific treatment to cure ankylosing spondylitis or reverse the damage it causes. However, there are medical treatments that can help slow its progression and prevent complications.

Risk factors:

• • Men are more likely to develop this condition than women.
• • It is more common to appear in late adolescence or early adulthood.
• • Many people with ankylosing spondylitis carry the HLA-B27 gene, although having it does not guarantee disease development.

Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis

During a physical exam, your healthcare provider may ask you to bend in different directions to assess the range of motion in your spine. They may also press on specific parts of your pelvis or move your legs into certain positions to reproduce the pain. They may even ask you to take a deep breath to check for difficulty expanding your chest.

Imaging tests. X-rays allow doctors to detect changes in joints and bones, although visible signs may not appear early in the disease. MRI scans may reveal evidence of the disease at earlier stages.

Blood tests. A blood test can detect the HLA-B27 gene. However, many people with this gene do not develop the disease, and one can have the disease without having the gene. Therefore, blood tests are not conclusive on their own, but may provide clues to the doctor for proper diagnosis.

Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and stiffness, and to prevent or delay complications and spinal deformity. Treatment is most successful when started before irreversible damage occurs.

Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and ibuprofen, are commonly used by doctors to treat ankylosing spondylitis. These medications can reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness, but may also cause gastrointestinal bleeding problems, so their use requires medical direction.

Therapy. Physical therapy is a very important part of treatment and offers several benefits, from pain relief to improved strength and flexibility. A physical therapist can recommend specific exercises for your needs, including:

• • Range-of-motion and stretching exercises.
• • Strengthening exercises for the abdominal and back muscles.
• • Proper sleeping and walking positions.

Surgical treatment for ankylosing spondylitis

Most people with ankylosing spondylitis do not require surgery. It may be recommended in cases of severe pain or if a hip joint is so damaged that it needs to be replaced, always under the evaluation of a specialist physician.

Prognosis of ankylosing spondylitis

Overall, the prognosis for ankylosing spondylitis is generally favorable with proper treatment, and many patients are able to remain free of active symptoms. However, the disease can reduce the quality of life for those who are undiagnosed or diagnosed late. It tends to have a worse prognosis when it begins at an earlier age.

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