Cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, and scoliosis are well-known spinal diseases. However, in recent years, there has been a rheumatic immune disease related to the spine, which, due to its painful symptoms and lifelong difficulty in healing, has "rudely" entered people's vision and is therefore known as the "cancer" of the spine. How can patients with ankylosing spondylitis alleviate pain in the face of this irreversible disease?
Ankylosis is closely related to genetics
Ankylosing spondylitis, although a spinal disease, is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that is more common in young adults aged 15-35. The incidence ratio between males and females in the patient population is approximately 9:1.
At present, there is no known specific cause of ankylosing spondylitis, which develops under the complex influence of genetic background and environmental factors. If there is a history of ankylosing spondylitis in the family, the risk of disease in offspring will increase. At the same time, the prevalence rate of the first degree relatives (parents, children and siblings sisters) will be significantly higher than that of the second and third degree relatives.
The spine becomes increasingly stiff with the onset of ankylosing spondylitis. If left untreated, it can ultimately lead to joint deformities, loss of function, and even disability in patients. Due to its long course, severe onset in the later stage, and difficult to treat characteristics, it is also known as "immortal cancer".
Ankylosis is difficult to cure, pain relief is the key
There is still no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, and treatment mainly focuses on controlling disease progression and alleviating various symptoms that cause pain to patients. During this process, pay attention to the following points.
Exercise is recommended during the stable period of 01's condition
In daily life, people with a family history must pay attention to developing good habits: avoid staying in a cold and humid environment for a long time, and pay attention to keeping warm; Avoid prolonged desk work and quit smoking; Exercise appropriately to maintain joint flexibility, enhance muscle strength and vitality. These are all effective methods to slow down joint stiffness.
It should be noted that all exercise for patients with ankylosing spondylitis should be performed during the stable or remission period of the condition. If it is an acute attack period, patients with ankylosing spondylitis should try to avoid activity as much as possible. Before exercising, consult a doctor for advice.
02 Timely calcium supplementation to prevent osteoporosis
Ankylosing spondylitis combined with osteoporosis is a common phenomenon, and it is more common for male patients to suffer from osteoporosis than female patients. Supplementing calcium and taking chondroitin have a certain therapeutic effect on osteoporosis caused by ankylosing spondylitis, and it is recommended that patients undergo an annual bone density check to assess the risk of falls. If there is sudden unbearable pain that is difficult to explain as "inflammatory back pain", it is necessary to go to the hospital to rule out the possibility of a fracture as soon as possible.