Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the spine. This disease can also cause vertebral fusion, so people with difficulty moving and bending. If ankylosing spondylitis attacks the ribs, the patient will have difficulty breathing.

Facts reveal that ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men than women, three to one. This disease can occur at any age, but usually begins to develop in adolescence or early adulthood (around the age of 20).

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis develop for months or years. Sometimes the symptoms come and go, get better and worse and appear within a certain time. To avoid complications, this condition must be treated with appropriate treatment methods.
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

The emergence of ankylosing spondylitis is usually characterized by pain or stiffness in the neck, lower back, cartilage between the sternum and ribs, and pelvic pain. This condition is usually felt when I wake up or after a busy position for a while.

Ankylosing spondylitis can also be accompanied by symptoms or other conditions, such as:

• Fatigue Patients with ankylosing spondylitis will feel tired and want to lose energy to move.
• Enthesis. Inflammation occurs when ligaments and tendons attach to the bone.
• Arthritis In ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the hip and knee joints.

Causes of ankylosing spondylitis

It is not clear what causes ankylosing spondylitis. It is believed that the HLA-B27 gene has a role to play, because 90% of those affected have it. However, most people with this gene do not experience ankylosing spondylitis.
Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis

The initial diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is based on symptoms and physical examination results. To make a diagnosis, other tests can be done, such as:

• Blood test. Made to check for signs of inflammation that occurs in certain parts of the body. If the results show inflammation, the patient is advised to consult an orthopedic doctor (specialist in bones and joints).
• Scanning. Made to check the condition of the patient's spine and pelvis. The scan is done by X-ray, MRI or ultrasound.
• Genetic examination. Made to check whether the patient carries the HLA-B27 gene or has another genetic disorder.

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

There is no specific treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. Manipulation and actions given are aimed at reducing pain, correcting postural abnormalities, preventing disability and increasing the patient's ability to resume normal activities. Forms of treatment include:

• Sports. Made to help reduce muscle stiffness and strengthen muscles around the joints. Exercise also helps reduce the risk of disability. The best sport for those who suffer from this disease is swimming.
• Physiotherapy. To restore normal bodily functions and reduce the risk of permanent disability due to ankylosing spondylitis.
• Medicine. To relieve joint pain and stiffness. Medications that can be used include:
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the initial stages, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Modified antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, if treatment with NSAID alone is not enough.
• The antidepressant drug Duloxetine for treating chronic back pain.
• Corticosteroid injections in the affected part of the joint or tendon.
• Surgery As a last resort, if the patient has significant joint damage. This operation aims to replace joints damaged by artificial joints in certain body parts, such as the pelvis and knees.

Complications of ankylosing spondylitis

In severe ankylose spondylitis, new bone formation in the healing process because inflammation makes the vertebrae united, stiff and inflexible. If this occurs in the rib cage, lung development and respiratory function will be disrupted. Some other complications that can be caused are:

• Spinal fracture This causes weakening of the spinal cord, severity of curvature and disorders of the spinal cord and nerves.
• Eye inflammation. This condition causes eye pain, blurred vision and is very sensitive to light. With this condition, patients will certainly have difficulty doing normal activities.
• Heart problems Usually in the form of inflammation or other disorders of the aorta. Inflammatory aorta can widen and cause heart problems.
• Activity interrupted. The patient cannot perform daily activities such as in healthy condition. In addition, their lifestyle will also change, for example, forced to work part time from home.
• Amyloid This is a disease in which amyloid protein, which is supposed to be produced in the spinal cord, develops in several other organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
• Cauda Equin Syndrome Occurs when the nerves at the base of the spine become depressed. This condition causes pain in the buttocks and pelvis, weak legs, difficulty walking and disorders of the urinary system.

Minimize the severity of ankylosing spondylitis

The following ways can be applied by patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis so that symptoms do not worsen, including:

• Stop smoking and don't chew tobacco.
• Sleep without a pillow or avoid using pillows that are too thick. Using a pillow that is too thick can cause greater spinal damage.
• Avoid leaning back. Use chairs, tables and other furniture that is higher so that the body is not bent.
• Reduce tiring exercises to avoid injury.

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