Bechterew's disease
Brief description of the disease
Bechterew's disease is an inflammation of the intervertebral joints. As a result of the development of the disease, they are fused, which significantly limits the freedom of movement of the spine. In international medical practice, this disease is called "ankylosing spondylitis". In different countries, it affects from 0.5 to 2% of the population. Men, especially at a young age, get sick much more often than women (at the moment, for 10 cases of diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis, there are 8 men and only 2 women).
The causes of the onset of the disease are not fully understood. The researchers believe that genetic factors and chronic infections that affect the gastrointestinal tract play a large role in this process. In addition, ankylosing spondylitis in women and men is provoked by genital infections, stress and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Mild forms of the disease do not cause serious complications. A different situation develops if a person is diagnosed with neglected ankylosing spondylitis - disability in this case is almost inevitable. We also note that there are certain problems with the formulation of a correct and, most importantly, timely diagnosis. Usually people do not pay attention to unpleasant symptoms and go to the doctor too late, when the treatment of the inflammatory process has practically no effect.
Bechterew's disease - symptoms of the disease
- pain in the sacroiliac region, stiffness of the joints - often the pain spreads to the lower extremities and is given to the buttocks, and it increases significantly in the second half of the night, which is why people cannot sleep normally;
- severe pain in the heel bones that does not go away over time;
- pain and stiffness in the thoracic spine;
- when studying blood samples from a sick person, a significant increase in ESR is found.
These symptoms are far from always signs of ankylosing spondylitis, but if they persist for more than one month, you should immediately consult a rheumatologist. In some cases, the first pains appear not in the spine, but in the joints of the arms and legs. However, they are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, ankylosing spondylitis can begin with an inflammatory eye disease, heart disease or aorta. Slow progression of the disease is extremely rare. In most cases, the inflammatory process develops quite rapidly and within a short period of time affects almost the entire spine.
As the disease progresses, the limited mobility of the joints increases, there is a shortening of the spine, severe pain during the simplest movements, for example, bending to the side. Also, patients have difficulty breathing, sharp pain when coughing or sneezing. Many people strive to get rid of unpleasant sensations and for this they try to lead a calm lifestyle, limit physical activity, unaware that these measures only contribute to the progression of joint inflammation. If a person has ankylosing spondylitis, treatment is based on an active lifestyle and moderate physical activity. Otherwise, complete immobility of the spine may occur and the person permanently acquires irreversible changes in the body (tilted head, arms bent at the elbows, crooked posture).
Bechterew's disease - treatment of the disease
Deep breathing and active sports that strengthen the muscles of the back and buttocks, such as skiing or swimming, help slow the development of chest stiffness. It is highly advisable to give up a soft bed and pillow, since a hard mattress prevents severe pain in the spine in the second half of the night. Due to the fact that ankylosing spondylitis, the symptoms of which are increasingly manifested in young people, is progressive, it is quite difficult to fight it. The main task of both the doctor and the patient is to stop the development of inflammation, to prevent it from progressing to still healthy joints. This task is very difficult, but doable. Remember that when diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis, treatment not only relieves you of pain, but guarantees a high standard of living, relieves the symptoms of spinal stiffness. It is for this reason that it is unacceptable to self-medicate at any stage of the disease.
Complications of joint inflammation
The greatest danger is the neglected ankylosing spondylitis. Disability in the later stages of the disease is almost inevitable, and irreversible changes concern not only the spine and posture, but also other organs. In particular, the aorta and the cardiovascular system are affected in 20% of patients. This manifests itself in the form of constant shortness of breath, chest pain, interruptions in the work of the heart. Also, patients often have renal failure, which is a consequence of amyloidosis - renal degeneration.
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The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
