Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. It is also known as rheumatoid ankylosis and is a chronic condition. There are chances that other joints of the body may also get affected. The inflammation of the spinal joints can cause severe pain and discomfort. In a few acute cases this inflammation can lead to the formation of a new bone on the spine. This condition will fuse the spine in a fixed position thus making it immobile and stooping it forward. Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation, pain and/or stiffness in the small joints of the hands and feet, shoulders, hips, ribs and heels. This disease affects men more than it affects women.
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic form of arthritis. The main symptoms include:
- Back pain
- Stiffness of the back
- Limited flexibility
- Tenderness of the bones
Pain caused due to this condition may develop gradually over months and increase with heavy activity. It is likely to aggravate in the mornings.
Physical therapy for Ankylosing spondylitis
- Pain-relief methods
- How to protect joints
- How to conserve energy
- Proper body mechanics
Rheumatism
Rheumatism is a term used to refer to a host of disorders dealing with the joints and connective tissues. Major rheumatic disorders include Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, Rheumatoid arthritis and neck pain. Rheumatism can affect adults and adolescents. Rheumatic disorders cause chronic pain and are not easy to treat. Painkillers are prescribed to alleviate the pain associated with rheumatism. Other associated symptoms are stiffness of affected joints, soreness and worsening of pain in conditions of humidity and rains. There might be periods of relief and then flare ups called rheumatic attack. The affected joints become red and swell up and turn red and warm. Usually movement increases the pain.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are hormones that play a role in stress and immune response as well as blood electrolyte levels. Corticosteroids prevent production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation and allergy. But they interfere with the white blood cell functioning and make an individual more prone to infections. Corticosteroids are used to control inflammations such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, hepatitis and lupus. Side effects of long-term use of corticosteroids are water retention, diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and depression.
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