What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

‍Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare condition of arthritis that results in the fusing of bones in the spine, difficulty in movement, and reduced flexibility in the spine. It is often found in the lower back region of the spine but can occur near the neck and the ribs.

‍It implies that the bones, over time, are fused together. This results in neck, lower back stiffness, and sometimes in the rib region. This fusion also results in inflammation of the bones and the areas around them, causing pain and discomfort. It can even hamper the movement of the hip and pelvis region.

‍It is noticeable in people in the age group of 17 and 45 but common around 24. While it may be difficult to cure it completely, Ankylosing Spondylitis can be managed with spondylitis physiotherapy. 

Characteristics of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Here are the key characteristics of Ankylosing Spondylitis:

Back Pain and Stiffness: Typically presents as lower back pain and stiffness, which worsens after periods of inactivity or during the morning.

Genetic Factors: Strong association with the HLA-B27 gene, though not everyone with this gene develops the condition.

Eye Inflammation: A common symptom is inflammation of the eye (uveitis), leading to redness, pain, and blurred vision.

What are the common symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

The most common symptom that occurs with AS is pain and stiffness in the sacroiliac joints (at the base of the spine) and lower back.

People with AS also can experience general fatigue and poor sleep.

1. Pain and Stiffness in Sacroiliac Joints and Lower Back: Most common and often most severe during the night.
2. Morning Stiffness: Persistent stiffness after waking, lasting more than an hour.
3. Hip and Shoulder Pain: Discomfort in these joints, in addition to the lower back.
4. General Fatigue: A frequent symptom that contributes to overall discomfort and affects daily activities.

Complications of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) can lead to several complications if not properly managed. These include:

Reduced Spinal Mobility: Chronic inflammation can lead to the fusion of vertebrae, significantly limiting the flexibility and mobility of the spine.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: There's an association between AS and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Cardiovascular Problems: There's an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including aortitis, aortic valve disease, and irregular heart rhythms.

Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. Here's an overview of the diagnostic process:

Medical History and Physical Examination

The doctor will start with a thorough medical history, focusing on spondylitis symptoms like pain, stiffness, and any family history of AS or related conditions. During the physical exam, the doctor will look for signs of inflammation and assess the range of motion in the spine, hips, and other joints.

Imaging Tests

X-rays: X-rays of the spine and pelvis can show changes characteristic of AS, such as fusion of the sacroiliac joints or erosion.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI can detect signs of inflammation and changes in joints and bones earlier than X-rays, making it useful for early diagnosis.

Blood Tests

HLA-B27 Genetic Marker: Many people with AS have the HLA-B27 gene. However, having this gene does not mean a person will definitely develop AS.

Inflammatory Markers: Tests may be done to check for inflammation in the body, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Patient Symptoms and History: The diagnosis is also based on the duration and type of symptoms, such as chronic back pain and stiffness that improve with ankylosing spondylitis best exercise but not with rest.

Is Ankylosing Spondylitis Preventable?

‍AS is a genetic condition and cannot be prevented. While the exact cause of AS is not known, research suggests that the presence of the protein HLA B27 impacts the immune system in a way where needed bacteria are killed, creating a possibility of AS symptoms. This study is still being conducted in-depth and doesn't have conclusive evidence.

‍With current progress in medical interventions, AS can be treated with medication and ankylosing spondylitis physiotherapy, and the condition can be managed to a large extent. Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, braces, and other forms can help reduce pain. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, can reduce pain, improve movement, increase flexibility, and reduce the rate of AS.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

‍AS often results in lack of movement, reduced flexibility, pain in the lower back, and sometimes in the chest. It is best to consult a doctor when you begin to see spondylitis symptoms such as lower back pain, chest pain, and swelling in the regions of the spine and neck that is not a result of an impact or injury.

‍In some conditions, people may develop rashes on the skin, reduce weight, and have difficulty breathing. Diagnosis may take time as there are possibilities of you having other conditions that can affect AS, such as arthritis.

‍You can also look out for symptoms such as increased pain at night in the back regions and fatigue in the mornings, followed by stiffness in the shoulder, back, and neck regions. In some cases, there can also be loss of appetite, low bone mass, and degeneration of good posture.‍

How can Physiotherapy help with Ankylosing Spondylitis?

‍Physiotherapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis is an effective management method. Since it includes the care of the bones, physiotherapists can help chart out effective manners that allow the same. Heat and Cold therapy can be effective in managing inflammation and reducing pain in the bones. It can also reduce pain in muscles and tendons in the region. 

‍ankylosing spondylitis is the best Exercise for improving flexibility and movement can be effective as well, which can be made available to the person based on the condition and other factors such as age, medical history, and environment. This can be done as a part of ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy.

‍Posture training is an effective management technique that can be offered by a physiotherapist that can reduce the risk of injury. Ankylosing spondylitis physiotherapy and treatment can also offer valuable insight into the condition, offer knowledge, and help identify the condition better and plan an effective roadmap to recovery.

What is the duration of physical therapy required for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

The duration of physical therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the individual's response to therapy, and the specific goals of Anglio Spondylitis treatment. Here are some general considerations:

• Individualized Treatment Plans: Each person's experience with AS is unique, so physical therapy programs are tailored to individual needs and conditions.
• Ongoing Management: AS is a chronic condition, and physical therapy is often a long-term treatment component. The focus is on maintaining mobility, managing pain, and preventing complications.
• Initial Intensive Phase: Some individuals might start with a more intensive therapy schedule, such as sessions multiple times a week, which may last for several weeks to a few months.
• Transition to Maintenance: After the initial phase, the frequency of therapy sessions might decrease as the individual learns to manage exercises and stretches independently.
• Regular Re-evaluation: The therapy plan is typically re-evaluated periodically to adjust for changes in the individual's condition, progress, and goals.
• Home Exercise Program: In addition to formal therapy sessions, a home exercise program is usually recommended for daily practice to maintain flexibility and strength.
• Lifelong Commitment: Many individuals with AS benefit from incorporating physical therapy exercises into their daily routine as a lifelong commitment to manage their symptoms and maintain mobility.

What assistance can a physical therapist provide?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing severe pain and limiting mobility. While it might seem counterintuitive for those suffering from AS to engage in physical activity due to pain, physical therapy of Ankylosing Spondylitis(PT) plays a crucial role in managing and alleviating the spondylitis symptoms of this condition. Here's how a physical therapist can assist individuals with AS:

1. Creating Personalized Ankylosing Spondylitis Best Exercise Plans

A physical therapist tailors exercise routines to suit the specific needs and conditions of each individual. This personalized approach ensures that the exercises are effective and do not exacerbate the patient's condition.

2. Improving Posture and Flexibility

AS often leads to poor posture and reduced flexibility. Physical therapists teach patients various exercises, such as prone lying and standing against the wall, to improve posture. These exercises also enhance spinal mobility, which is crucial for reducing pain and stiffness.

3. Strengthening Core Muscles

Strengthening the core muscles is vital for individuals with AS. A physical therapist may incorporate exercises like yoga and tai chi, which not only strengthen the core but also improve balance and coordination.

4. Enhancing Range of Motion

Flexibility exercises are essential for maintaining joint mobility. Physical therapists guide patients through stretches and movements that focus on stiff joints, preventing further stiffness and pain.

5. Deep Breathing Exercises

AS can make deep breathing difficult due to inflammation and stiffness in the chest cavity. Physical therapists teach deep breathing exercises to keep the chest wall flexible and improve breathing capacity.

6. Pain Management

ankylosing spondylitis Physical therapy has been shown to significantly reduce pain in individuals with AS. Therapists develop gentle yet effective exercise programs that help manage pain without causing additional discomfort.

7. Guidance on Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises

Physical therapists recommend low-impact aerobic exercises like cycling, swimming, or water aerobics. These activities are less strenuous on the joints and spine, making them ideal for AS patients.

8. Advising on Safe Exercise Practices

A physical therapist ensures that patients perform exercises correctly and safely, reducing the risk of injury. They also provide guidance on modifying exercises to suit the patient's changing needs.

9. Offering Support and Motivation

Living with AS can be challenging, and physical therapists offer the necessary support and motivation to help patients maintain an active lifestyle despite their condition.

Physical therapists are invaluable in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis. They provide expert guidance on ankylosing spondylitis best exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and posture, all while ensuring that these activities are done safely and effectively. If you have AS, consider incorporating ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy into your ankylosing spondylitis treatment plan for better management of your spondylitis symptoms.

Tips and advice for older Adults

‍AS can worsen with age and can impact movement and flexibility. Hence, it is important to ensure that older adults are on a nutritious diet that increases bone and muscle strength. It is important to engage in activities that improve physical strength and improve lifestyle.

‍Besides these, it is also important to visit doctors and understand if there are any complications due to AS. This includes regular tests, check-ups, and medical and physiotherapy interventions.

Water therapy can help reduce inflammation and improve the condition.

‍Active engagement in ankylosing spondylitis physiotherapy care, such as isotonic exercise, flexibility exercises, and movement exercises, can reduce the intensity of the condition and allow the individual to carry on with their daily activities.

‍It is also important to care for the joints and not engage in strenuous activities that can further deteriorate the condition and cause complications of ankylosing spondylitis.

‍In most cases, AS is a non-threatening condition and can be managed with care. Having family members or community interaction and education can help them understand the condition and assist in its management.

Anglio Spondylitis Treatment Options at Physiotattva

‍At Physiotattva, our goal is to provide the best care possible that is of global standards, combining the expertise of experts and state-of-the-art facilities. We offer a comprehensive range of treatment plans that are highly customized to the needs of the individual. Our team works closely with the individual and their close members in order to provide the best care possible. Our team of specialists is trained to understand the condition well and, with a holistic approach, provide a long-term sustainable treatment plan.

FAQs

1. Can physical therapy help ankylosing spondylitis?

Physical therapy can significantly help manage ankylosing spondylitis. It focuses on improving posture, flexibility, and spinal mobility, reducing pain and stiffness.

2. Which physiotherapy is best for ankylosing spondylitis?

The best physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis includes stretching, strengthening exercises, and posture training tailored to individual needs.

3. Will physical therapy help spondylosis?

Physical therapy is beneficial for spondylosis, aiding in pain relief, improving flexibility, and strengthening the muscles supporting the spine.

4. Does ankylosing spondylitis improve with exercise?

Exercise is crucial in managing ankylosing spondylitis. Regular physical activity improves joint flexibility and spinal mobility, reducing pain and stiffness.

5. What is the main treatment for ankylosing spondylitis?

The main treatment for ankylosing spondylitis involves medication, physical therapy, and exercise. It aims to relieve pain, manage symptoms, and maintain mobility.

6. What is the recovery time for ankylosing spondylitis?

Recovery time for ankylosing spondylitis varies. It's a chronic condition, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life rather than a complete cure.