Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as spondylarthritis and, in later stages, ankylosing spondylthlosing, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a spinal injury in which the vertebrae fuse together, causing symptoms such as difficulty moving the spine. and pain that improves during displacement but worsens at rest.
This lesion usually begins in the sacrothalamic joint, between the pelvis and the last lumbar vertebra, or in the shoulder joint and tends to worsen, gradually affecting all other vertebrae in the spine, which can lead to the person’s removal from work. , from pre-retirement.
- Therefore.
- As soon as symptoms appear.
- It is important for the person to consult an orthopedic surgeon for tests to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis and begin treatment.
- Preventing complications and improving a person’s quality of life.
The main symptom of ankylosing spondylitis is lower back pain that improves during physical activity, but worsens when the person is at rest. Other signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include:
Symptoms usually develop gradually and eventually become more frequent and frequent; In addition, in the absence of adequate diagnosis or treatment, some complications may occur, the most common being plantar fasciitis and uveitis, which corresponds to inflammation of the uria, which is the area of the eye that includes the iris, choroids.
The causes of ankylosing spondylitis are unknown, but it has been identified that this disease is related to the presence of a specific antigen in the body called HLA-B27, which can cause abnormal immune system responses and cause disease.
Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is made by performing certain imaging tests, such as x-rays, bone scans, and CT scans of the sacroiliac joint and spine, the results of which should be interpreted by the doctor. In addition, your doctor may recommend a serological test for HLA-B27, as this antigen is related to the disease.
Além disso, devem ser avaliados pelo médico a presença de sinais e sintomas por um período igual ou superior a 3 meses para que seja confirmado o diagnóstico, além de ser observado se há comprometimento grau 2 ou 4 nas duas articulações sacroilíacas, ou grau 3 ou 4 numa única articulação sacroilíaca.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, prevent disease progression and complications, and ensure a person’s quality of life. Therefore, your orthopedist may recommend the use of certain analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications, such as:
The combination of medication and dosage should be administered by your doctor after evaluating the severity of your symptoms. Regardless of the intensity of symptoms, physiotherapy is also essential to promote the development of joint mobility and increase flexibility, thus helping to alleviate symptoms of ankylosing spondyloarthritis.
Dependendo da idade do paciente e das suas atividades diárias, pode-se recomendar a cirurgia para colocação de uma prótese a fim de melhorar a amplitude de movimentos. A prática regular de exercícios além de melhorar a sintomatologia, confere mais energia e disposição. Métodos naturais como massagens, acupuntura, auriculoterapia, e outras podem ser utilizados com o objetivo de diminuir a dor. Além disso, a alimentação com pouco ou sem amido também têm demonstrado ser eficaz trazendo alívio da dor e diminuindo a progressão da doença.
It is important for the patient to know that treatment should be done throughout their life because ankylosing spondylitis and has no cure yet. Learn more about treating ankylosing spondylitis.