Various joint injuries are common, especially in people who lead an active lifestyle or play sports. In many cases, even minor damage can cause inflammation. And post-traumatic arthritis develops. It appears when the integrity of the joint capsule, cartilage, ligaments, muscles or tendons is destroyed.
This mainly occurs due to frequent minor injuries, which may not even be noticed by a person. But the destruction gradually progresses, and the joint becomes inflamed. Traumatic arthritis, unlike ordinary arthritis, develops more often in young, active people. The knees, elbows and ankles are most susceptible to injury. The shoulder joints are less commonly affected by this type of disease.
People regardless of age are susceptible to this disease. Inflammation in the joint can develop after various injuries:
When a joint is subjected to frequent minor injuries - impacts, strains or vibrations - various tissues inside and nearby are gradually destroyed. Hemorrhages occur, causing inflammation. The process of joint destruction develops gradually, and often the patient does not pay attention to its symptoms. With traumatic arthritis, the following symptoms are observed:
With severe trauma, these symptoms are more pronounced. If they appear immediately, they speak of the development of acute post-traumatic arthritis. It can also cause an increase in temperature, intoxication of the body and the development of leukocytosis.
If the pain intensifies after an injury, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Very often, the patient does not even realize for a long time that he has post-traumatic arthritis. And he consults a doctor when the pain intensifies and movements in the joint become difficult. In the chronic course of the disease, treatment is complex and lengthy. Dystrophic changes in articular tissues can become irreversible. In this case, it is possible to help restore functionality only with the help of endoprosthetics - a complex operation.
To prevent complications, after any joint injury you need to visit a doctor and undergo an examination. Using X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI, a specialist will determine what internal damage has appeared. With timely treatment, complications can be avoided and normal functioning of the joint can be restored.
In acute cases of the disease, medical attention is required immediately. If, after an injury, severe pain appears, the joint is swollen and the skin is red, the patient must be admitted to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
If signs of joint discomfort are ignored, inflammation spreads to surrounding tissues. Periarthritis may develop - inflammation of the periarticular tissues.
Gradual destruction of the joint leads to deforming arthrosis. Deformation of the joint itself causes synovitis, and the entry of bacteria into the synovial fluid causes bursitis. If treatment is ignored, joint stiffness develops, which is then very difficult to get rid of.
The most serious complication is the development of purulent infection and sepsis.
Without timely treatment, post-traumatic arthritis can lead to joint destruction
All medications used for post-traumatic arthritis should be selected by the attending physician after examination. After all, you first need to determine whether there is hemorrhage, what tissues are damaged, and how severe the inflammation is. This is the only way to choose the most effective treatment. Most often, the following drugs are prescribed for this disease:
Physical therapy will help restore freedom of movement to joints
In addition to medications, other methods are used for traumatic arthritis. They are very important for restoring joint function.
To restore joint function, it is very important to pay attention to nutrition. The diet should be rich in vitamins A and D, calcium. Seafood and flax seeds are healthy. You should not get carried away with foods rich in purines, animal proteins and salts. This can lead to the development of gout, a common consequence of traumatic arthritis.
Post-traumatic arthritis is a serious disease. But if you consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his instructions, you can completely restore the health of the joint.
A dangerous disease such as arthritis can develop due to the loss of articular cartilage (in particular, due to its depletion). This phenomenon is associated with natural aging of the body, heavy physical activity and injuries. Arthritis of the cervical spine is inflammation of the vertebral joint in the neck. In this case, unpleasant symptoms such as pain, swelling and stiffness appear. There are 2 types of this disease:
Spondylosis appears in old age. Often the 4 lower vertebrae of this section are affected. Less commonly, such inflammation occurs in the upper lumbar region. The main causes of this disease are aging discs. Due to increasing loads on facet-type joints, growths occur. This compresses the nerve roots and limits neck movement.
Often inflammation of the first 2 vertebrae occurs. For 2 types of arthritis of the cervical spine, doctors consider the following risk factors:
Arthritis of the spine in this case has the following symptoms:
If the above symptoms appear individually or in combination, you should seek help from a doctor. The level of degeneration of the cervical spine can be determined using MRI or X-ray.
Treatment for this disease varies.
Experts include conservative methods such as:
Rheumatoid arthritis of the spine is a systemic disease of the spinal column that also affects synovial tissue. As a rule, pathological changes in this disease occur mainly in the cervical .
Rheumatoid arthritis provokes the development of osteoporosis and reduces the stability of the spine. The disease is quite rare, its prevalence is 1% among men and 3% among women.
Even before the first signs of the disease appear, certain damage occurs in the cervical spine. As a rule, the prerequisites for the development of rheumatoid arthritis of the spine are (in descending order of prevalence):
If we are talking about the early stages of the disease, then the typical course is accompanied by soreness in the neck area, developing into a headache . This pain can radiate to the eyes and forehead, and it intensifies with movement.
Subluxation of the atlas often results from the formation of a number of neurological symptoms. With anterior subluxation, the odontoid process and the posterior arch of the C1 vertebra begin to compress the spinal cord. During neck flexion, this compression begins to intensify. In this case, the patient will complain of hyperreflexia (that is, increased reflexes) and weakness. The Babinski reflex (involuntary flexion of the big toe in response to stroking the foot) will be detected
General clinical symptoms include:
FAQ
The site provides reference information. Adequate diagnosis and treatment of the disease is possible under the supervision of a conscientious doctor.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic connective tissue disease. This is a chronic disease of infectious-inflammatory origin, which mainly affects peripheral small joints. It is characterized by destructive processes in the joint tissue, a progressive course with the development of ankylosis (complete immobility in the joint). Among other things, rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease, that is, the defense system ceases to distinguish foreign microorganisms (viruses, bacteria) from its own cells, and thus directs its aggression towards its own body.
For many decades, attempts have been made to find the pathogenic infectious agent that causes rheumatoid arthritis.
Cervical arthritis is an inflammation of the joint in the cervical spine, which causes stiffness, swelling, and pain. This disease can be of two types: osteoarthritis (cervical spondylosis) and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cervical spondylosis occurs in old age, in 85% of cases in people after sixty years of age. Usually the four lower vertebrae of the cervical spine (4th to 7th) are affected. Inflammation very rarely occurs in the upper cervical vertebrae.
The cause of cervical spondylosis is aging of the intervertebral discs. As a result of increased stress on the facet joints of the vertebrae, bone spurs appear. They compress the nerve roots and limit neck movements.
After ten years of rheumatoid arthritis, the cervical spine is involved in the pathological process in 80% of cases. The synovial tissue in the joints between the back of the head and the first two cervical vertebrae is affected. More often it is the first two vertebrae that become inflamed.
Risk factors (for both forms of cervical arthritis):
Clinical signs of the disease:
Arthritis is a group of diseases associated with inflammation of the joints. Stiffness, swelling, pain are common signs of arthritis.
Neck pain can mainly be associated with two types of this disease - osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In medical terminology, osteoarthritis of the neck is called cervical spondylosis.
The condition is characterized by neck pain due to age-related degeneration of the cervical vertebrae, the formation of a bone spur or herniated cervical intervertebral discs. Patients experience stabbing pains that usually radiate to the lower part of the head. The pain often radiates to the shoulder joint or arm.
Other symptoms of arthritis of the cervical spine include muscle weakness in the neck, headaches in the back of the head, cracking and clicking of the vertebrae, cramps and weakness in the upper extremities, and stiffness in the cervical region.
Rheumatoid cervical arthritis leads to inflammation of the bone tissue and, as a result, damage to the joints. Early diagnosis can stop the progression of the disease. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness and redness in the morning.
If the cervical vertebrae are damaged, this can lead to dislocation of the joints. As a result, these vertebrae put pressure on the spine and cause severe neck pain, weakness and tingling in the arms and legs.
If you experience at least a few of the listed symptoms, you should immediately contact a specialist. The examination is carried out using X-rays or MRI. These procedures help in determining the extent of bone degeneration. One of the methods of treating and preventing cervical arthritis is the use of a special orthopedic pillow or corset.
Neck pain is very common for many people and affects both men and women. There are many diseases that cause neck pain. If your neck hurts very badly, you should definitely consult a doctor who will help you find out the true cause of the discomfort in the neck and prescribe a course of treatment. The faster the problem is eliminated, the better so that the disease does not develop into a chronic form.
Pain can be one of the symptoms of many diseases that need urgent treatment - cancer, cervical spine injuries with rheumatoid arthritis, vascular diseases, infectious diseases, diseases of internal organs. That’s why it’s so important, if the pain is very severe, to immediately consult a specialist.
Most often, neck pain occurs due to inflammation or spasm in the neck muscle. It can be triggered by degenerative changes in the spine, and more specifically in the cervical spine, which are associated with stress on the arms and neck, and also appear with age.
1. Neck pain is a consequence of injury, damage to ligaments and muscles.
2. Pain appears due to incorrect position, after sitting for a long time in an uncomfortable position, sleeping in an incorrect position and on a poor-quality mattress or pillow.
3. Pain in the neck due to hypothermia, often when a person remains under an air conditioning fan for a long time. Cold begins to affect the muscles, spasm occurs, blood supply deteriorates and, as a result, severe pain appears.
4. Pain in the neck due to degenerative changes (osteochondrosis, osteoarthrosis). With osteoarthritis, the intervertebral joints of the neck are damaged. If the pain in the neck radiates to the arm, then it is osteochondrosis. Often pain of this nature can radiate to the chest and back of the head. The pain is characterized by its constant, aching nature, and can intensify in certain positions, after physical activity. The following symptoms also appear: nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, pain in the hand, and numbness in the fingers. Heart pain also often appears, which can be caused by an uncomfortable position. In this case, the patient complains that it is difficult for him to move his neck, a crunch appears when turning his head.
5. Pain due to intervertebral hernia, it radiates to the neck. A hernia begins to develop due to impaired functionality of the nerves, which begin to lose their reflex activity, sensitivity and muscle strength. If the spinal cord is damaged, pain may not occur, but the limbs become very numb, weakness appears, and functions in the pelvic organs are disrupted.
6. The appearance of neck pain due to the fact that a person overstrains his muscles during physical activity or, conversely, there is limited mobility in the neck.
7. Severe pain in the neck due to muscle spasm, with deterioration of blood supply to the affected area, and it is very difficult to move. This happens when a person suddenly turns his head after getting into an accident. Pain of this nature lasts from a day to two.
8. Diffuse pain appears if a person is diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the examination shows the points that cause pain and radiate to a certain place.
For very severe neck pain that does not occur for a long time, doctors prescribe MRI, radiography and CT. With the help of special studies, you can obtain accurate information about the condition of the soft tissues, whether there is a hernia, a tumor, or whether a nerve is damaged.
Treatment will first depend on the cause of its occurrence. You can try to relieve neck pain using manual techniques and physical therapy. If you experience neck pain immediately after sleep and muscle pain appears after exercise, after being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, regular exercise will help you, which will restore activity in the cervical region, stretch the muscles and help protect them from injury .
If you have pain when swallowing, the following symptoms also appear - nausea, your neck and throat begin to hurt, then treatment becomes more complicated. Most likely you have an infection. Drug treatment will also be added here. With the help of tablets you can easily eliminate inflammation, and with the help of a neck massage you can restore flexibility to the spine and prevent the re-development of infectious diseases.
If pain in the neck occurs on both the right and left sides, also in front, below, above, behind, most likely you have a disease of the bones and joints. Osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis are very difficult to treat. Only osteopathy can help in this case.
Neck pain due to neuralgia is treated with an increased number of movements. The patient may be relieved of physical activity if the pain is severe. If the pain syndrome has passed, the neck needs to move as differently as possible. This way you can easily eliminate muscle spasms and neck pain will go away. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are very suitable for exacerbation of pain.
It is better to prevent pain than to treat it. Tips to help you do this:
1. You cannot sit in the same place all the time without straightening your neck and back.
2. Forget about bad habits - smoking, alcohol, they provoke the development of pain.
3. Watch your weight. Obesity is a common cause of neck diseases.
4. Lead a healthy lifestyle, do gymnastics every morning, visit the pool and gyms.
5. It is very good to perform special isometric exercises during the day; for this you need to strain your muscles very hard, but do not move them.
So, neck pain is very serious, because it appears for a reason, it is often caused by serious reasons, which is why it is so important to start timely treatment. Do not forget about preventive methods and constantly monitor your health, because, as you have already seen, it can be a sign of serious diseases of internal organs, the development of a bacterial or viral infection in the body.
Lymph nodes (lymph nodes) are organs of the lymphatic system. They act as a filter for lymph coming from different organs and parts of the body.
Lymph nodes are round or oval formations from 0.5 to 50 mm in diameter. They are located near lymphatic and blood vessels. The location of the lymph nodes helps the body create a barrier to various infections and cancer.
There are cervical, supraclavicular, intrathoracic, axillary, ulnar, femoral, inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes. There are also lymph nodes located in the lungs (bronchopulmonary), in the abdominal cavity (mesenteric and para-aortic), and slightly above the inguinal (iliac).
Inflammation of the lymph nodes . or lymphadenitis. it's hard not to notice. The first warning sign is an enlargement of the lymph nodes: a bulge in the head, neck, pelvis, etc. In addition, other symptoms . painful sensations, especially when pressed; seals; redness. Sometimes purulent inflammation and headache are possible. general weakness and increased body temperature. One lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, or all lymph nodes at the same time can become inflamed.
If enlarged lymph nodes are detected, you need to answer the following questions one by one:
1. How quickly and how much did the lymph nodes enlarge?
2. Are the lymph nodes mobile or in a fixed position?
3. Is the pain in the lymph nodes constant, occurs only with pressure, or is it completely absent?
4. Are the lymph nodes dense, or, on the contrary, very soft?
5. Is one lymph node inflamed, or several?
Lymph nodes form an important part of the immune system. They are designed to fight infections. Lymph nodes filter bacteria and viruses and remove them from the body. The nodes are located in the neck, armpits and groin and contain white blood cells. Lymph nodes in the neck are called cervical. Swelling of the cervical lymph nodes occurs due to a rapid increase in the number of white blood cells when an infection is detected in a nearby organ. That is why, if a viral infection is suspected, doctors feel the lymph nodes, the enlargement of which can indirectly confirm the diagnosis.
Lymph nodes in the neck can become inflamed as a result of various diseases. For example, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck causes sore throat or acute pharyngitis, colds or tuberculosis. A similar reaction can be found to the rubella virus or toxoplasmosis, as well as to a number of other viral infections.
Other causes include inflammatory ear or skin diseases, tooth and gum infections, and cancer of the larynx or mouth. An inflamed lymph node in the neck can also indicate other infections that affect organs close to the neck, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. The disease can also be caused by cat or rat scratches.
Soft swelling under the chin or in the upper part of the neck, sometimes painful, is one of the symptoms of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes. Lumps in the back of the head may indicate cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. The skin on the surface of the node becomes red and inflamed. Sometimes a swollen lymph node is similar to a common cold or respiratory illness. The patient feels weakness, chills, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing and rapid pulse. If you notice these signs, especially if they do not go away, you should consult a doctor.
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Inflammation of the lymph nodes, called lymphadenitis. and often occurring in combination with lymphagnoitis is an alarming symptom. If the lymph nodes become enlarged and painful, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause of this deviation. In most cases, enlarged lymph nodes signal the development of some disease that requires diagnosis and treatment. Typically, enlarged lymph nodes are caused by an inflammatory process occurring in the human body.
Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes
Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a natural, objective process, because the lymph nodes filter all components that enter the circulatory system. As soon as pathogenic microorganisms enter the lymph node, which is a kind of barrier, lymphocytes begin to work in it, killing harmful viruses and bacteria. But in some cases, the mass of foreign elements in the blood increases so much that the normal number of white blood cells can no longer cope with their function. In response, lymphocytes actively multiply to eliminate the infection. And now the lymph nodes grow, become inflamed, redness of the skin and pain appear - inflammation of the lymph nodes is diagnosed.
Signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes
Inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by the following symptoms:
If, in addition to the listed signs, the skin in the area of the lymph node turns red and severe pain appears, it means that a purulent process has begun. Other signs of purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes are fever, chills, and a general deterioration in the patient’s condition.
What diseases do the lymph nodes warn us about?
The lymphatic system is one of the most complex and intricately designed human systems.
Its main purpose is to wash away dead cells of the body into the lymphatic capillaries, as well as bacteria, viruses and toxins that enter the body with food, water and air.
Always on guard
There are more than 500 lymph nodes in the human body.
These tiny glands are like intermediate pumping stations along the path of lymph movement and at the same time - filtering elements. They perform the duties of sentries, selflessly protecting our body from the attacks of various harmful viruses and bacteria.
The orderlies of this system are protective white cells (lymphocytes), which are stored in huge quantities in the lymph nodes and do not allow pathogenic microorganisms, as well as cancer cells, into the circulatory system, inhibiting the development of the disease.
If there are too many “enemies” and the usual number of lymphocytes cannot cope with them, white blood cells begin to actively multiply in order to eliminate the infection. This load affects the condition of the lymph nodes: they enlarge, harden, redness of the skin appears above them and pain occurs. In medical language, this phenomenon is called lymphadenitis.
So inflammation of the lymph nodes is not an independent disease, but an alarm signal indicating that something is wrong in the body. Moreover, depending on which lymph nodes are inflamed, it is possible to determine quite accurately where and what kind of infectious process occurs.
The fact is that the lymph glands are concentrated in groups in certain areas of the body and each group is responsible for its own areas of the body. Enlargement of lymph nodes in one place or another indicates trouble in the area that the node “serves”. This is what this “nodular letter” of the body tells us:
Cervical and submandibular nodes swell with colds, flu, infectious diseases of the throat and ear.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an arthritis that affects children under 16 years of age. The disease is characterized by inflammation and restriction of joint movement. It lasts longer than six weeks. This disease is also known as Still's disease, childhood chronic arthritis, and juvenile chronic polyarthritis.
Typical signs of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. These symptoms are worse in the morning or after a short sleep. At the same time, children, even small ones, do not complain of pain.
This disease may be accompanied by fever. loss of appetite and weight loss. In some cases, a rash appears on the arms and legs. Sometimes the lymph nodes become enlarged.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may cause growth retardation. In some cases, the affected joints develop at different rates, and because of this, the length of a child's arms or legs may vary.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system mistakenly perceives its own body tissues as foreign and tries to destroy them. However, experts still do not know why such a malfunction of the immune system occurs. It is assumed that infectious diseases and preventive vaccinations can trigger the disease. especially against measles, mumps or rubella. Moreover, after vaccination, girls are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. However, infection is not the only cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It can also develop after joint injuries, hypothermia, or overheating in the sun.
In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, non-purulent inflammation of the synovial membranes occurs. In this case, joint fluid is released in increased quantities and accumulates in the joint cavity. The synovial membrane thickens, adheres to the articular cartilage and after some time fuses with it. Cartilage erosion occurs. And after some time the cartilage is destroyed. Moreover, the time during which these changes occur varies for all patients.
Based on the number of affected joints, they are classified into:
The spine is a complex part of the musculoskeletal system, consisting of vertebrae with intervertebral discs between them. It is supported by a large number of ligaments and muscles that ensure its movements.
Primary arthritis of the spine practically does not occur. In the vast majority, secondary arthritis occurs as a result of arthrosis or injury.
Secondary arthritis due to arthrosis is the most common type of arthritis of the spine. The development of arthrosis is preceded by spondylosis - gradual wear and aging of the anatomical structures of the spine, accompanied by degeneration of the outer fibers of the anterior or lateral sections of the fibrous ring, its protrusion under the pressure of the pulpy core that has retained its turgor, deposition and ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament and the formation of marginal bone growths (osteophytes) along the axis the spine along the circumference of the anterior and lateral sections.
With it, the height of the disc is maintained for a long time and the anatomical-topographic relationship of the elements of the spinal canal is not disturbed, so clinical manifestations of this process do not occur for a long time. Symptoms of the disease appear only when the above changes are accompanied by signs of arthrosis, and spondyloarthrosis occurs.
Signs of arthrosis of the joints of the spinal column can be detected in almost everyone. With age, these changes only progress. Their development is facilitated by age-related changes in the joints, excess weight, excessive loads on the spine (for example, heavy lifting, sports activities), poor posture, and occupational hazards (for example, constant work in a sitting position, improper arrangement of the workplace). In this case, cartilage destruction occurs in the joint, bone tissue grows with the formation of growths. The result is that adjacent bones rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation, swelling and limited function.
Ankylosing spondylitis (Strumpell-Bechterew-Marie disease) is a separate type of arthritis of the spine, which is a chronic systemic disease of the joints with a predominant localization of the process in the sacroiliac joints, spinal joints and paravertebral soft tissues.
Risk factors for spinal arthritis include:
Depending on the level of damage to the spinal column, there are:
Based on the time of occurrence, primary and secondary arthritis are distinguished.
Depending on the etiology, arthritis is distinguished against the background of arthrosis, infectious, rheumatoid, post-traumatic, psoriatic, gouty, ankylosing spondylitis and others.
Let's look at some of the most common types of spinal arthritis.
In rheumatoid arthritis, spinal damage usually affects the cervical spine (apophyseal joints and atlantoaxial joint). Damage to the lumbar regions is not typical.
Patients rarely complain of pain in the neck area, since rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by damage to other joints, which are usually more pronounced (knee, elbow, hand joints, etc.). Characteristic complaints are pain in the occipital region, muscle rigidity and limited movement in the cervical region.
The diagnosis usually does not cause difficulties due to concomitant damage to other joints and characteristic changes in laboratory tests.
Its distinctive feature is its connection with previous acute injury or chronic injury. Excessive loads on the joints and vibration disease (occupational hazards) can lead to chronic damage.
The clinical picture of traumatic arthritis does not differ significantly from other forms of spinal arthritis.
The pathogen usually penetrates the spinal column hematogenously (through the bloodstream).
The most common lesion of the spine is of tuberculous etiology, and the disease is characterized by mild symptoms and manifestations of general intoxication (weakness, fatigue, increased ESR). Subacute or chronic back pain occurs, which intensifies with movement and does not disappear with rest (unlike arthrosis). Pain also occurs when pressing on the spinous processes of the affected vertebrae, when walking on your heels. Mobility in the spine is limited.
Based on the results of radiography, a narrowing of the spaces of the intervertebral discs, erosion and destruction of adjacent vertebrae are detected.
There are also purulent arthritis, most often caused by staphylococcus or Escherichia. Spinal abscesses (foci of purulent melting resulting from hematogenous spread of infection), more often of staphylococcal etiology, may also occur. Patients complain of severe weakness, high fever, and local soreness. Radicular pain and loss of sensitivity may occur.
All purulent processes require emergency surgical intervention.
Reiter's syndrome is caused by chlamydia trachomatis and is more common in young men. Transmitted sexually. Typically, Reiter's syndrome causes unilateral pain in the sacroiliac joint and limited mobility in it or damage to the lumbosacral spine. Other symptoms include: conjunctivitis, urethritis, rash (on the palms, soles, genitals), ulcers in the mouth. May present with low-grade fever, weight loss, and afternoon fatigue.
It is not a rare complication of psoriasis (the frequency of its occurrence in patients with psoriasis is 7-10%).
In this case, manifestations of arthritis usually occur against the background of exacerbation of psoriasis before or during the appearance of skin rashes. Arthritis rarely occurs without skin lesions, but there are also cases when it has already lasted for a long time before the first symptoms of psoriasis appear.
With psoriatic arthritis, there may be unilateral pain in the sacroiliac joint and limited mobility in it or damage to the lumbosacral spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis (Strumpell-Bekhterev-Marie disease) is a chronic systemic disease of the joints with a predominant localization of the process in the sacroiliac joints, spinal joints and paravertebral soft tissues.
The etiology of the disease is unknown. There is reliable information about the presence of a family predisposition, the marker of which is the histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27.
In ankylosing spondylitis, damage to the sacroiliac joints, small intervertebral joints, sternoclavicular and costosternal joints predominates. The inflammatory process in the joints is caused by immunological mechanisms. There are no gross destructive changes in the joints.
Characteristic complaints are pain in the sacrum and lower back, which intensifies after movements. Pain and tension in the back muscles and a decrease in the range of motion in the spine are detected. As the disease progresses, pain increases. Pain and decreased mobility in the hip joints appear. Objectively, during this period one can already see an arched curvature of the spine and stoop. Subsequently, ankylosis of the intervertebral joints occurs.
In the peripheral form of the disease, it can manifest itself as damage to large joints: elbows, knees, ankles. Extra-articular manifestations include: iritis and iridocyclitis, aortitis, aortic valve insufficiency, pericarditis and heart rhythm disturbances. Kidney amyloidosis may develop.
Signs of joint ankylosis are revealed on radiographs in the second stage. At the first stage, ankylosing spondylitis can only be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressants are used.
The prognosis of the disease is conditionally unfavorable, since timely and adequate treatment only slows down the development of the disease and improves the quality of life, but does not eliminate the cause of the disease. Over time, the patient steadily loses his ability to work.
At the first complaint of back pain, you should immediately consult a doctor. You should not self-diagnose or delay treatment. Remember that arthritis can quickly lead to permanent changes and loss of joint function.
Based on complaints and examination, the doctor can prescribe the necessary examination and treatment for you, and refer you for a consultation with a specialist (neurologist, vertebrologist, infectious disease specialist, surgeon, rheumatologist, etc.).
Treatment for arthritis should be long-term and comprehensive. You should not do it yourself; you must first consult with a specialist and undergo the necessary examination. Since arthritis usually occurs against the background of arthrosis, it often has a chronic course with periods of exacerbations and remissions.
The treatment plan is drawn up in accordance with the etiology of arthritis, the presence of concomitant pathology, the individual capabilities of the patient, etc. You can learn more about individual methods of treating arthritis in the corresponding section of the site.
All types of therapy must be combined with diet, gentle regimen, correction of excess weight, stress reduction and other recommendations.
Warm compresses on the affected area help a lot (before applying them you need to be sure of the etiology of arthritis; some types of arthritis cannot be heated!), which help reduce pain and improve blood circulation. In some situations, cold compresses and even ice are used. Physiotherapeutic methods include massage, swimming and whirlpool baths, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, etc.
Among non-traditional methods of treatment, yoga, acupuncture, herbal medicine and others can be used, depending on individual capabilities and recommendations of specialists.
In some cases, the use of splints and other auxiliary devices to support the spine and/or reduce pain is indicated. Fixation with splints is usually used in the acute period, when restriction of movements is indicated in order to unload the affected part of the spine. In chronic forms, canes, crutches, walkers and other devices are actively used.
The full range of possible procedures is determined individually by the attending physician together with the physiotherapist.
Any physical therapy exercises should be performed only in the remission stage. In the stage of exacerbation of chronic arthritis or in acute arthritis, a gentle motor regimen with unloading of the affected part of the spine is indicated.
Regular exercise therapy reduces symptoms of the disease such as pain, stiffness in the joints, increases range of motion and flexibility, and promotes weight loss.
The physical therapy program is developed individually for each patient, taking into account the extent of the lesion, the individual capabilities of the body and concomitant pathology.
The disease usually has a chronic course and, if treated incorrectly or untimely, can lead to disability. Therefore, it is very important to follow all the recommendations of specialists (including correcting excess weight, giving up bad habits and following a diet) and correctly treating exacerbations of the disease. In this case, you will be able to engage in active activities for a long time and fully enjoy life!