Ankylosing Spondylitis is a progressive
disorder of spine. It is a debilitating condition of the spine in which there
is increased fusion of the inter-vertebral spine. The causative factor causing
the ankylosing spondylitis is still unknown. In certain cases a genetic
predisposition for the following disorder is seen but still researches are on
to understand the process as well as the pathomechanics of the disease. In
certain cases the presence of the HLA B27 gene has also shown a pattern but
nothing significant development can be noted.
Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis can be
enlisted as follows:
·
Idiopathic
·
Genetic
The most common sign in an Ankylosing spondylitis
patient is the presence of stiffness in the entire body. The major cause is the
absence of mobility in the inter-vertebral spine that causes restriction of
movements thus causing the patient to attain the stooped posture. The stiffness
is more than that of pain. In Ankylosing spondylitis the process of ankylosing
of the joints is enhanced thus restricting the quality of life on an
individual. In this kind of patients, the proximal joints of the spine are more
affected than the extremities thus hampering the spine to be utilized to its
utmost benefit. Besides these signs and symptoms, there are more systemic
manifestations of the disease. There is decreased vital capacity of the lungs
due to widespread restriction due to the fusion of the rib cage thus hindering
the full expansion of the lungs. This in turn causes them difficulty in
breathing and even while laughing or sneezing as these activities causes
increased intra abdominal pressure that in turn causes increased pressure on
the spine. In certain cases, the tail bone is also affected. One can experience
the inflammation of the sacro-iliac bone thus causing the sacroilitis
condition.
Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis is not
specific as the causative factor causing it has not been detected. The sole
purpose of improvement that cane expected from ankylosing condition includes
the following:
·
Preventing further
deterioration of the condition
·
Functional improvement
·
Improving the mobility of the
spine
·
Inculcating active lifestyle
that will keep the spine mobile and healthy.
In such cases breathing techniques are also
advised that will further improve the breathing ability and keep the chest wall
mobile with repetitive inhalation and exhalation techniques. Incentive
spirometry or blowing balloons can be another such method to improve the lung
capacity. Besides this, consulting a rheumatologist is also essential to
achieve better outcomes of the patients.
Don’t be depressed but instead with
advancement in medical technology and further studies, enhanced and
scientifically proven support can be expected that will help in improving the
quality of life of patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis.