Experiencing Pain In The Joints Of The Spine?

What does French tennis player Tatiana Golovin, comedian Lee Hurst or Taiwanese musician Jay Chou have in common? It's none other than the disease known as ankylosing spondylitis.

Formerly known as Bechterew's disease, Bechterew syndrome and Marie Strumpell disease, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis and auto immune disease, which mainly affects the joints in the spine, the sacroilium in the pelvis and in the long run, can cause the merging of the spine. This disease typically affects young male, aged 18 to 30. Symptoms such as chronic pain and stiffness in the lower part or the entire spine, which indirectly inflicts pain in the buttocks or the back of thighs are often most apparent. In some cases, this disease can cause inflammation of the eye which leads to eye pain, floaters, redness, and photophobia and vision loss. This disease can sometimes cause fatigue and nausea. If one is to contract the disease before 18, symptoms such as the swelling and pain of large limb joints, particularly the knees will occur, followed by the ankles, feet and the spine.

Although treatments and medications are available to reduce pain and symptoms, there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatments such as physical exercises and physiotherapy, along with medication, are often used by physicians to help reduce the inflammation and pain. The most recommended physical exercises by rheumatologists include swimming, stretching, yoga, tai chi, climbing and Pilates whereas jogging is the least recommended. The three major types of medications include anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitors, DMARDS and TNFα blockers (antagonists). In some cases, walking aids are used to assist in balancing and relieving the pressure on affected joints. Most patients of ankylosing spondylitis are normally advised to alternate their time between resting, sitting and standing due to the difficulties that they experienced. Apart from that, it is important for them to maintain a good posture to reduce the chances of causing a curved or fused spine.

Lastly, surgery will only be an option in the form of joint replacements, particularly the hips and knees, in severe cases.

Anna has been writing articles online for nearly 3 years now. She recently went for a medical checkup at Penang Hospital, which is one of the top Malaysia hospital.