disease
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Definition, Causes and Symptoms
Ankylosing spondylitis is a hardening of the spine. Almost everyone knows about back problems . The pain often makes it impossible to do normal activities or to sleep. The cause is usually just a muscle tension . People who suffer from ankylosing spondylitis, on the other hand, are repeatedly plagued by severe low back pain. And there is a risk that in the case of ankylosing spondylitis her spine increasingly freezes. The cause of Bechterew's disease is a disorder of the immune system. It triggers inflammation in the area of the back joints. In the long term, the vertebrae deform and form bony bridges. Other joints as well as organs can catch fire. Morbus Bechterew often comes to a standstill after some time. Only sometimes stiffened the entire spine.
In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, especially in the morning there is pain in the back and the back feels stiff. The mobility of the spine can be limited and it often comes to eye inflammation, a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis. In severe cases, the back bends forward. Often it is difficult to lift your head and the view is always lowered. If the ribcage is affected by the disease, many sufferers only breathe with their stomach. Mostly, however, Bechterew's disease is far less dramatic and is sometimes barely noticed. Many patients go to work in spite of ankylosing spondylitis.
Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis can be treated well. Physiotherapy and medication slow or stop the course of ankylosing spondylitis. Particularly successful are the new so-called "TNF-alpha inhibitors".
Prevention and self-help of ankylosing spondylitis
To prevent Ankylosing spondylitis, one should avoid overweight . It is also helpful to have regular exercise and good posture to avoid Ankylosing spondylitis. It is best to learn the correct behavior in a back school. Swimming strengthens the back without burdening it. Tips and assistance are available from the German Association for Morbus Bechterew at www.bechterew.de.
