What to do with ankylosing spondylitis?
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spinal joints. The hallmark feature of AS is the involvement of the joints at the base of the spine where the spine joins the pelvis - the sacroiliac (SI) joints.
What are the warning signs of ankylosing spondylitis?
* Chronic back pain which lasts for many months or years.
* Back pain occurring during the night.
* Back stiffness lasting for extended periods in the morning or after periods of rest.
* Pain and tenderness in the ribs, shoulder blades, hips, thighs, shins, heels and along the bony parts of the spine.
* Recurring inflammation in the eyes causing pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to bright light
What can you do if you have ankylosing spondylitis?
At this time, there is no cure for AS. Therefore, treatment is designed to minimize pain and to maintain mobility and function. Establishing the correct diagnosis early is important because the sooner appropriate treatment is started the better the chance of avoiding disability or deformity.
What are the treatments for AS?
Medications: Your rheumatologist may prescribe you with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to minimize the pain.
Exercise: Exercise is one of the most important activities in managing ankylosing spondylitis. It helps keep joints moving and reduce pain. Your rheumatologist may refer you to a physiatrist (a rehab doctor) for recommendations of range of motion exercises to reduce stiffness and help keep your joints moving. Strengthening exercises may also help to maintain or increase the strength of your back muscles and help you keep an upright posture.
However, precautions hold for AS patients to contact sports like rugby or hockey because of the greater risk for spine fracture.
Heat: Applying heat helps relax aching muscles, and reduces joint pain and soreness. Heat therapy is therapeutic to chronic inflammations.
Surgery: Surgery may be needed if you have severe AS, depending on the judgment of your rheumatologist and surgeon.
