Ankylosing spondylitis - begins quietly

The first description of the disease called "stiff spine curvature" was made to domestic neuropsychiatry VM Bekhterev in 1892. Since then, much time has passed, but the disease still remains largely unexplored. Very often it is the cause of disability, and sometimes even complete immobility of patients.

Ankylosing spondylitis and its causes

Ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid spondylitis) - a systemic inflammatory disease of connective tissue with a primary lesion of the articular joints and ligaments of the spine and peripheral joints and involvement in the process of internal organs. The disease tends to be chronic, progressive course of the development of ankylosis (joint stiffness caused by soldering joint surfaces).

The disease affects mainly men between the ages of forty. Causes of the disease is not fully established, but a great importance is attached to an infectious-allergic diseases, heredity and spine injuries. Contribute to the development of the disease hypothermia, the presence of foci of infection in the body (especially urinary organs infection).

The inflammatory process usually begins with the sacroiliac spine slowly and gradually rises. At the same time, in response to inflammatory change occurs reflex spasm of muscles that support the spine, which in turn causes pain and increases blood circulation disorder. Subsequently, the inflammatory process in the intervertebral joints gradually leads to immobility of the spine.

Sometimes the process can begin with the destruction of peripheral joints (hip, knee), followed by the defeat of the spine.

The forms of ankylosing spondylitis

Depending on the location of the central and peripheral distinguish form of ankylosing spondylitis. When the central form of the disease only affects the spine, causing arise:

• kyphosis (bending backwards) of the thoracic spine in conjunction pronounced lordosis (deflection in front) of the cervical spine - the so-called kifozny view;
• Smoothing (or absence) of the lumbar lordosis and kyphosis of the thoracic spine, while the back of the patient takes the form of boards (rigid view).

When the peripheral form of ankylosing spondylitis in addition to the spine affects the peripheral joints:

• the defeat of the shoulder and hip joints - rizomelichesky view;
• loss of peripheral joints;
• defeat joints of the hands - a Scandinavian look.

The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

In most cases, ankylosing spondylitis begins quietly, with the defeat of the lumbosacral or cervical spine. Often the onset of the disease coincides with the transfer of acute infection (flu, sore throat), or hypothermia.

Among the early signs of the disease - back pain Back pain: Causes of chronic low back pain , Smack in the hips and groin. The lumbosacral spine pain occurs during exercise, during prolonged stay in one position when worn in one hand cargo. Often the appearance of pain associated with a change of weather.

There may be complaints of fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss. But sometimes the complaints may be so insignificant that the disease is revealed only a few years after its inception.

When the process involves the thoracic spine appear girdle pain in the chest, worse with a deep breath, coughing or down stairs, which are sometimes given to the heart, stomach and kidneys.

In the late stages of the disease process extends to all parts of the spine. Pain becomes less pronounced, but constant, especially during movement and physical activity. Due to the stiffness of the chest shortness of breath.

When the process involves the cervical spine, there are pains in the head movement, can come complete immobility of the neck, while she leaned forward and head down, chin regard to the sternum. In some cases, the cervical spine is affected in the early stages of the disease.

In addition to the musculoskeletal system in the process may involve other organs and systems. Develops weakness and gradual atrophy (shrinking) of muscles, loss of vegetative (responsible for innervation of internal organs and blood vessels), the nervous system. Sometimes there are changes in the heart, lungs and kidneys. Changes in the eye may lead to cataract and vitreous humor, and to the development of glaucoma Glaucoma - an eye disease .

Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis

The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is confirmed using X-ray examinations, the early stages of change can only be seen by magnetic resonance imaging. What matters as a complete blood count, which in most cases you can see the acceleration of ESR.

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

Basic principles of treatment of patients with Bechterew's disease:

• the timely removal of pain and inflammation (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid hormones, in severe cases - drugs that suppress the immune properties, and so on);
• preservation and restoration of function of the spine and joints (physical therapy, physiotherapy, manual therapy courses, annual spa treatment).

When complete fusion of hip surgical treatment - replacement of the diseased joint with an artificial one.

Ankylosing spondylitis serious illness that often leads to disability.

Galina Romanenko