Bechterew's disease in women treated with folk remedies. How to treat Bechterew's disease? What diseases can it be associated with?

Inflammation of the spine and joints of a chronic nature is called ankylosing spondylitis. The disease most often occurs in men aged 15 to 30 years. As for women, they are 9 times less likely to have this disease.

With ankylosing spondylitis, a person’s joints suffer, they become inflamed, and eventually fuse together. This process is called ankylosis. In this condition, the spine loses its mobility and other joints become stiff.

At the very beginning of the disease, pain occurs, which is felt in the lumbar spine. Further, as the disease progresses, pain and stiffness spreads up the back. Then a pathological thoracic kyphosis is formed.

The disease develops as a result of aggression of immune cells, which occurs constantly. Over time, those structures that were elastic are replaced, and hard bone tissue forms in their place.

With this disease, not only the human spine suffers, but also large joints. Often the disease attacks the joints of the lower extremities. There are cases when inflammation spreads to internal organs, affecting the heart, urinary tract, kidneys and lungs.

Causes of the disease

Ankylosing spondylitis can be provoked by the following factors:

• dysfunction of the endocrine glands;
• injury to the pelvic bones;
• inflammation of the genitourinary system;
• inflammatory processes of the intestines and other internal organs;
• hormonal imbalances;
• allergic or infectious diseases;
• hypothermia of the body.

We have named factors that suggest the occurrence of the disease, but as for the causes, they are not fully understood. Many scientists say that the main cause of the disease is the aggressive behavior of a person’s immune cells towards his joints and ligaments.

Such abnormalities in the immune system occur in people who have a genetic predisposition to it. They are carriers of the HLA-B27 antigen.

The following symptoms are characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis:

• loss of height;
• slouch;
• inability to straighten or bend your back;
• sleep disturbance;
• difficulty moving;
• deep breathing;
• cough;
• sneezing;
• knees and elbows bend, the back becomes hunched.

The first symptoms of the disease are pain in the sacrum and lower back, those areas that suffer first. In these areas there is tension and stiffness when moving. Such symptoms tend to appear in the second half of the night after prolonged rest.

As the disease progresses, stiffness and pain in the back become stronger. The whole process extends to the joints. In this case, the joint fuses, taking the shape of a shell, inside of which is the spinal cord.

There is also an extra-articular form of this disease. It is characterized by the fact that the iris and ciliary body are affected, and the cardiovascular system and kidneys are damaged.

The course of the disease is accompanied by damage to internal organs. The cardiovascular system suffers, the aortic valves become inflamed. Kidney damage provokes a condition called amyloidosis.

The disease manifests itself equally in different age categories. However, if a person under 30 years of age experiences pain and inflammation in the heel without prior injury, then these may be harbingers of the development of ankylosing spondylitis. Inflammation of the heel joint occurs much earlier than the manifestation of back pain.

Possible complications

The consequences of ankylosing spondylitis can be severe.

This disease is dangerous not only because it immobilizes the patient’s body, but also because of possible complications:

• heart damage;
• tuberculosis.

The most serious of them is heart damage. They occur in 20% of patients. Damage to the cardiovascular system is manifested by shortness of breath, disruption of the heart and pain in the chest area.

Another dangerous complication is amyloidosis. The disorder is a kidney disease that subsequently causes kidney failure. Due to the fact that the mobility of the chest is impaired, a person can also develop tuberculosis.

Such complications can be prevented, but this requires timely diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease.

Medications and exercise

Doctors talk about the impossibility of a complete cure for this disease. All treatment is aimed at relieving pain and also reducing inflammation. If inflammation is contained, joint mobility will be maintained as much as possible.

To achieve this effect, use the following means:

1. Medicines. In the treatment of the disease, glucocorticosteroids, immunosuppressants and non-steroidal antiviral drugs are used. It is also possible to prescribe drugs that block tumor necrosis factor.
2. Surgical intervention– endoprosthetics.
3. Treatment of sources chronic infection.
4. When remission occurs Patients are prescribed physiotherapy, manual therapy, massage, breathing exercises, and physical therapy.
5. Using thin pillows and orthopedic mattresses.

Another method of combating the disease is therapeutic exercises. Specially designed exercises allow the patient to maintain motor activity. Regular exercise also prevents the development of spinal deformities.

Gymnastics involves warming up, twisting, stimulating muscles and other exercises.

In the process of gymnastics, smoothness and regularity are important, and classes must be carried out regularly.

Basic gymnastics for every day:

1. Sitting on a chair, stretch your neck, turning your head, tilting your chin to your shoulders and chest.
2. Pull your neck up and press your chin to your neck.
3. While lying on your back, slowly pull your hands towards your toes.
4. Pull your knees and make circular movements with your joints.
5. Reach your chin to your chest, raising your head.
6. Lying on your back do the scissors exercise.
7. Lying on your back, place your arms behind your head and raise yourself 45 degrees.
8. Raising the pelvis while lying on your back.

Thus, a comprehensive approach is taken to treating the disease. Therapy can slow down its development.

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with folk remedies

To treat ankylosing spondylitis, both external traditional medicine and medicines prepared for oral administration are used.

Ointments and rubs that traditional healers offer to patients help relieve pain and relieve swelling.

These include:

1. Turpentine ointment. Turpentine should be mixed with sunflower oil, a piece of camphor and wine alcohol. The ointment can be rubbed into the sore joint or left overnight as a compress.
2. 60 g of ammonia, 15 g of camphor, 40 g of soap, 500 g of vodka are mixed and rubbed into sore joints up to 5 times a day.
3. Celandine juice. It should be lubricated on sore areas liberally, this makes it possible to relieve pain.
4. Mustard ointment with camphor. 100 g of mustard and the same amount of camphor are mixed with 200 g of egg white and alcohol. The ointment is used for compresses.

1. Infusion of sage, oregano, calendula. You need to take a teaspoon of oregano, and a tablespoon of other ingredients. Pour a liter of boiling water over everything.
2. 10 g of aconite roots are infused with 100 g of 60% alcohol for two weeks.
3. A tablespoon of plantain and string is mixed with a teaspoon of wild rosemary. The mixture of herbs is poured into a liter of hot water and consumed up to 3 times a day.

Treatment using the Bubnovsky method

According to Bubnovsky's method, ankylosing spondylitis is treated by kinesitherapy. This set of exercises is designed to relieve pain. By stretching the joints, the patient develops the body, improving its flexibility. And special breathing exercises help support the chest, as it is also subject to deformation.

The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis should be approached individually. The same applies to treatment using the Bubnovsky method. Individual classes are developed for each patient to help maintain physical fitness and joint mobility.

You can watch a set of exercises using the Bubnovsky technique in the following video:

A prerequisite for Bubnovsky gymnastics is to perform all exercises in the morning. Then throughout the day you should practice 3 or 4 times. But if a person at work is forced to constantly be in one position, then he should do a warm-up every hour.

Regimen for ankylosing spondylitis

General recommendations:

• rejection of bad habits;
• swimming;
• stretch marks;
• physiotherapy;
• proper arrangement of the sleeping area;
• proper nutrition;
• weight control.

If a patient suffering from ankylosing spondylitis smokes, he needs to quit smoking. This habit only creates additional health problems. The disease greatly affects the mobility of the rib cage, and smoking only worsens this condition, so it becomes too difficult to breathe.

Throughout their lives, people with this diagnosis may experience alternating periods of improvement and deterioration in their condition. But most of them can lead a normal life, adhering to a healthy lifestyle and the recommendations of their doctor.

People who suffer from ankylosing spondylitis are advised to do activities such as swimming, stretching, and gymnastics. But when the disease is in a state of exacerbation, then such activities are contraindicated. Patients should protect themselves from overwork and hypothermia.

To prevent additional stress on your joints, you should control your weight. Particular attention is paid to the sleeping area. It should be firm, and in some cases without cushion.

Eating right is very important in treating the symptoms of this disease. A diet for patients has been developed specifically for this purpose. With her help it is possible.

Thus, patients are prohibited from eating meat. The consumption of unsalted rice and dried apricot decoction is encouraged. Only refined oil is used for cooking; it is not recommended to eat fatty foods. Every day the patient should eat vegetables, fruits and greens in large quantities.

Conclusion

It is impossible to recover completely from ankylosing spondylitis. Therapy allows you to get rid of the symptoms of the disease, as well as stop its development. In the later stages of the disease, patients are recommended to undergo prosthetics.

If the disease is detected in a timely manner, this makes it possible to maintain joint mobility for a long time, reducing the frequency of exacerbations. If you do exercises every day and lead a healthy lifestyle, the development of the disease is stopped, while the person maintains sufficient joint mobility for a normal life.

You can see a specialist’s opinion about the causes and nuances of treatment of ankylosing spondylitis in the following video:

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But this may be an inflammatory manifestation of a completely different disease, ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis received its second name - ankylosing spondylitis, in honor of the Russian neurologist Vladimir Bekhterev, who first described this disease.

This disease is most often encountered by representatives of the stronger sex aged 15-30 years.

In women, ankylosing spondylitis is a rare phenomenon in a ratio of 1:9, relative to men.

What it is?

The disease is associated with genetic characteristics and is classified as systemic.. The immunity of such people is aggressive towards certain tissues of the body. Perceives them as foreign, causing inflammatory and destructive processes.

As a result of research, scientists have come to the conclusion that the disease is most often inherited, or due to the presence of infections of the genitourinary system or intestines in the body. The disease can be triggered by chronic stress and damage to the spine.

In most cases, the process begins from the sacral region, affects the iliac bones. Gradually spreads to the lumbar region and rises up the spine, capturing new areas of the spinal column. In the future, the disease can affect the joints of the entire body.

The consequences for the spine are catastrophic. There is a gradual tight connection of intervertebral cartilage and discs with the effect of ossification of the spine. The spine loses its functions - flexibility and mobility, forming a solid, rigid structure.

The process of spinal fusion is called ankylosis. Ankylosis of the knee, hip and peripheral joints is less common.

Ankylosing spondylitis is divided into forms of the disease:

Symptoms

The onset of the disease is manifested by pain in the lumbar region, groin, gluteal muscles, and on the outer thighs. The pain begins at night. In the morning there is a feeling of stiffness in the back.

Due to aching pain in the chest, difficulties arise in respiratory function, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Over time, pain begins in the cervical spine, dizziness, headaches, disruption of the vestibular apparatus, deterioration of vision and even blindness appear.

Depending on the location of the lesion, problems of the genitourinary and cardiac systems are possible. Characterized by increased body temperature, poor appetite and weight loss.

Treatment

Drug treatment

The presence of symptoms, a reason to contact rheumatologist specialist for correct diagnosis and carrying out the necessary research.

First of all, this is an x-ray of the spine and a biochemical blood test.

Drug treatment provides pain relief, elimination of the inflammatory process and tissue swelling.

Glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunosuppressants are prescribed.

With an aggressive course of the disease, there is a threat of immobility, which leads to the need for surgical intervention.

Modern technologies make it possible to perform spinal surgeries in a gentle way, without pain or consequences.

The integrity of the vertebra and its height are restored, and pain is eliminated. The person returns to his normal lifestyle.

Video: "The importance of using NSAIDs in ankylosing spondylitis"

Physiotherapy

Ankylosing spondylitis requires an integrated approach, which includes physical therapy, massage, and therapeutic baths.

Special gymnastics class– kinesiotherapy is mandatory for this diagnosis. Experts have developed a set of exercises with dosed loads. Physical activity should be systematic, regularly at least twice a day. The best effect of physical therapy is observed when it is carried out in a swimming pool.

Particular attention is paid to breathing exercises to prevent fusion of the joints of the thoracic spine. The simplest and most effective exercise is inflating a balloon.

Depending on the form of the disease, the correct massage is selected. The main type of massage for ankylosing spondylitis, gentle, including stroking and rubbing. Spinal massage restores blood circulation, relaxes and strengthens muscles, and relieves pain. The massage is performed by a specialist during the absence of exacerbations and inflammation.

Besides, magnetic therapy, acupuncture, phonophoresis, ultrasound, laser therapy are used.

Recognized as an effective treatment method hirudotherapy. Leech saliva, thanks to special enzymes, has an anti-inflammatory effect and has a positive effect on the plasticity of the spine.

Conservative treatment can be combined with folk remedies

Did you know that...

Next fact

The use of alternative medicine improves the patient's condition. They use baths, herbal preparations, decoctions, and home rubs.

Baths

Bath water should be at least 37-40 C. It is recommended to take baths every other day or two, a course of at least 15 - 20 baths.

Herbal infusions and medicinal decoctions

Herbal teas and decoctions of medicinal herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect, promote blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, significantly alleviating the patient's condition. It is advisable to adhere to exact doses and recommendations for use to avoid allergic reactions.

Recipes for four herbal mixtures for use in a course for a month:

Tincture

A proven and effective folk remedy for ankylosing spondylitis is a tincture of fresh grape flowers. Place 50 grams of flowers in a thermos, add 300 ml of water and leave for 8 hours. Strain and take throughout the day.

Rubbing

Rubbing recipes recommended for pain in the spine and joints:

• crushed tamus roots - 200 g, pour 50 ml of vegetable oil and leave in a dark place for 15 days. The finished mixture is used for rubbing;
• Dissolve 100 ml of medical alcohol, 50 g of mustard powder and 50 g of camphor, rub the spine and joints before bed;
• Combine fresh horseradish juice with vodka or alcohol in a 1:1 ratio. Rub the resulting mixture over the area and wrap with a warm scarf.

Besides, in folk medicine, treatment with bee stings and apitherapy is widely used.

Bee products may cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, this method is not recommended for everyone.

The effect of folk remedies is observed in complex treatment of the disease, which includes the use of medications, therapeutic exercises, and physiotherapy. It is important not to ignore the symptoms of the disease in the initial stage, which will help maintain range of motion, slow down the process of deformation of the cartilage of the vertebrae and joints, and reduce the risk of consequences of spinal ankylosis.

Video: "Life with ankylosing spondylitis: a story from personal experience"

Prevention

Ankylosing spondylitis affects genetically predisposed people. The trigger for the onset of the disease is intestinal infections, sexually transmitted infections, severe and frequent hypothermia, heavy physical exertion, and nervous strain.

It is necessary to maintain hygiene and culture of sexual life, wash vegetables and fruits before eating, and practice yoga to gently stretch tendons and ligaments. Skiing and Nordic walking develop all the muscles of the body.

Swimming normalizes the condition of the spine and has a gentle effect on the back muscles. Excess weight and overeating lead to stress on joints and a weakened immune system. When doing sedentary or monotonous work, take breaks and change body position. Do not damage the musculoskeletal system.

Conclusion

• Ankylosing spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis– genetic diseases of the joints and spine.
• The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of osteochondrosis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis has four forms of the disease.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is treated comprehensively: with medications, surgery, physiotherapy, and therapeutic exercises.
• During therapy, you can combine a conservative method and traditional medicine.

For ankylosing spondylitis, treatment with folk remedies will significantly improve the patient’s well-being. However, this method should be used only as a complement to drug therapy, since these drugs alone can provide effective help to the patient exclusively in the early stages of the development of pathology.

Principles of treatment

Ankylosing spondylitis is treated traditionally with anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. The use of physiotherapy is also mandatory, incl. Regular gymnastics plays an important role in successful treatment.

Folk remedies for ankylosing spondylitis are used for external use in the form of ointments, compresses and other remedies, as well as for oral administration in the form of infusions, tinctures and decoctions based on medicinal herbs and other plants.

Despite the fact that traditional methods are characterized by complete safety and the absence of contraindications for use, there are certain limitations. Due to the individual characteristics of the human body, in some cases an allergic reaction may develop. In addition, traditional methods have a number of contraindications for use, which the patient may not be aware of.

Therefore, it is imperative to notify the attending physician about the therapy being carried out, who will be able to adequately assess all the risks and adjust the prescriptions. This will prevent the patient’s well-being from deteriorating and the development of complications.

Traditional treatment will help relieve the discomfort that occurs when the patient moves, remove inflammation and pain. Increase the range of motion in the affected parts of the spine.

The disadvantage of alternative medicine methods is that the therapeutic effect is achieved a long time after administration. Therefore, you should be prepared in advance for the fact that you will have to use traditional methods of treatment regularly for several months.

Oral preparations

How to get rid of ankylosing spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis? For this purpose, it is advisable to use infusions and decoctions based on herbal infusions from medicinal herbs. A competent combination of components will provide an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and calming effect, which will have a positive effect on the patient’s well-being.

Basic recipes include:

1. Anti-inflammatory collection. It consists of 1 tbsp. l. calendula flowers, celandine, hop cones, 2 tbsp. l. string, oregano and rose hips. All ingredients must be mixed, 2 tbsp. l. pour the mixture into a thermos and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Let the mixture sit overnight, then strain and cool. The entire volume of liquid should be drunk throughout the day. Every day you need to prepare a new medicine, while the raw materials (collection of medicinal herbs) should be stored in a dark and cool place. The duration of such treatment is at least 6 months, after which a break of 4–8 weeks is possible. If necessary, the course should be repeated.
2. Pain reliever. A collection based on willow bark, buckthorn, birch leaves, horsetail, nettle, elderberry flowers, calendula and juniper fruits has a positive effect on the course of the disease. All components must be finely chopped and mixed in equal proportions, 2 tbsp. l. pour 400–500 ml of boiling water over the mixture and place in a water bath for 30–40 minutes. The finished solution should be filtered and drunk 100 ml 3-4 times a day after meals.
3. Anti-inflammatory infusion. The collection, which includes lingonberry, nettle and mint leaves, sweet clover herb, violets, strings, wild rosemary shoots and flax seeds, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. To prepare the mixture, all components must be taken in equal proportions, 2 tbsp. l. pour 500 ml of boiling water over the raw materials, cover well and leave overnight. For this purpose, you can use a thermos, which holds the temperature well and will help the product achieve maximum therapeutic properties. This medicine has numerous positive reviews due to its fast action. The infusion should be drunk 1/3 glass 5-6 times a day for several months.
4. A healing remedy that is prepared from the roots of fresh horse sorrel. To make medicine, you need to grind 200 g of raw material, put it in a glass jar and pour in 1 liter of alcohol. Leave the product in a dark place for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. Drink tincture 1 tbsp. l. twice a day 20–30 minutes before meals.
5. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicine. The composition includes 20 g of mullein flowers, elderberry, tea rose, rowan fruits and nettle leaves. For infusion 1 tbsp. l. The mixture must be poured with 200 ml of boiling water, wrapped and left for 30 minutes. Drink 1 glass of warm solution three times a day.

Healing baths for ankylosing spondylitis

Folk remedies for ankylosing spondylitis include the use of baths based on medicinal herbs, which have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxing effects. For this purpose, you can use special healing mixtures that will help a person improve their well-being.

Good results are shown by adding a mixture of medicinal plants to the bath (calendula and elderberry flowers, juniper fruits, nettle and birch leaves, willow bark, buckthorn, horsetail herb). You need to take 2 tbsp of each component. l. To prepare the decoction, you need to pour all the raw materials into an enamel pan, pour boiling water over it and place in a water bath for 30–40 minutes. After this time, strain the product and add it to the bath. The duration of therapeutic water procedures is 15–20 minutes, the duration is 10–15 sessions every 1–2 days. The water temperature should be comfortable for the patient, the optimal value is about 36°C.

You can use another recipe: mix in equal proportions wild rosemary, sweet clover, alder, pine, dandelion, strawberries, currants, rue, kirkazon, veronica, gooseberry, elm, cinquefoil and birch. Place 300 g of the mixture in a small cotton bag, boil in 5 liters of water for 20 minutes and leave for 2 hours. Pour the solution into a bath of warm water. The duration of the therapeutic course is 2–3 months, the frequency of hydrotherapy is twice a week.

External therapy for ankylosing spondylitis

How to treat ankylosing spondylitis at home? One of the most popular and sought after methods for both men and women is the use of ointment for rubbing in the spine area, which is prepared according to different recipes.

Depending on the ingredients, the product can have anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

To prepare ointments, you must use the following recipes:

1. Mix 40 g of grated laundry soap, 60 g of ammonia and 15 g of camphor oil. Add 500 ml of vodka or alcohol diluted to 400. Use the ointment to rub the affected area 2-3 times a day. If it is not possible to use the medication frequently, use it at least once before bedtime.
2. At home, it is easy to prepare a healing ointment based on mullein, which has a pronounced analgesic effect. To do this, you need to prepare a tincture from 50 g of plant flowers and 500 ml of vodka. Use the medicinal product for rubbing before bedtime.
3. Dissolve 50 g of dry mustard in the same amount of camphor and mix with beaten egg whites (100 g). Apply the product to the skin in the spine area with light massage movements.
4. An ointment based on 200 g of crushed thamus roots and 50 g of sunflower oil will help cure the disease and relieve pain. Before use, the product must be left in a dark and cool place for 2 weeks.
5. In the summer, you can use fresh horseradish for rubbing. To prepare the medicine, you need to squeeze the juice from the plant and add vodka in a 1:1 ratio. Use for rubbing the lumbosacral and other parts of the spine. In order to enhance the therapeutic effect, the affected area should be well wrapped.

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with folk remedies is a long process. It will take a lot of time to achieve positive dynamics, so in parallel you need to use drugs that can quickly make the patient feel better.

(ankylosing spondylitis) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of connective tissue with predominant damage to the joints and ligaments of the spine, as well as peripheral joints, involving internal organs (heart, aorta, kidneys) and a tendency to a progressive course with the development of limited mobility of the spine due to ankylosis of the apophyseal joints, formation of syndesmophytes and calcification of spinal ligaments. It is the main form of seronegative spondyloarthritis.

The first clinical description of “stiffness of the spine with curvature” was made by the Russian neuropathologist V.M. Bekhterev. He proposed to distinguish ankylosing spondylitis as an independent nosological entity. The basis of the disease is chronic ankylosing inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. The prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis in different countries is 0.1-0.8% (in relatives of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who are carriers of HLA-B27, the disease occurs 8-10 times more often), and the incidence is 2-6 per 100 thousand population . Usually the disease debuts at the age of 20-40 years, but in 8-10% of cases children and adolescents aged 10-15 years are affected; men get sick 6-9 times more often than women.

Causes of ankylosing spondylitis has not been fully clarified, but the most substantiated factors for the occurrence of the disease are the following:

• seropositivity for HLA-B27 increases the risk of developing the disease by 20 times;
• the presence of a genetic predisposition - the risk of developing spondyloarthritis is 16 times greater among HLA-B27-positive relatives who have cases of the disease than among HLA-B27-negative individuals from the general population;
• trigger and/or supporting role of infectious factors (streptococci, chlamydia, mycoplasmas, etc.), hypothermia, chronic inflammatory diseases of the urinary and genital tract, digestive tract, injuries of the spine and pelvic bones, hormonal factors.

It has been established that the HLA-B27 antigen molecule acts as a receptor for microbial or other triggering factors. The resulting complex stimulates the production of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, which have the ability to damage cells and/or tissues containing molecules of this antigen. It is assumed that polymorphism of the vascular epithelial growth factor gene determines the severity of ankylosing spondylitis. Against the background of the presence of the B27 antigen, the immunoinflammatory process begins with damage to the sacroiliac joints, then the intervertebral, costovertebral (less often peripheral) joints, intervertebral discs, and vertebral ligaments are involved in the places of their attachment to the vertebral body. For all other lesions of the iliosacral joints and spine, spondyloarthritis is considered a secondary process.

Due to inflammatory changes, a reflex spasm of the spinal muscles occurs, which in turn increases pain, leading to circulatory disorders. Spasm predetermines the gradual destruction of interarticular cartilage and the development of ankylosis.

At the early stage of ankylosing spondylitis, changes in the fibrillar structures of the ligaments, swelling and erosion are detected at the sites of attachment of the tendons to the bones. The main pathomorphological manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis are:

• enthesopathies - chondroid metaplasia,
• enthesitis - inflammation of the places of attachment to the bone of tendons, ligaments, fibrous part of the intervertebral discs, joint capsules,
• Osteitis - inflammation of the bones that form the joint,
• synovitis.

The joints develop inflammation of the synovium, histologically similar to synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis, which leads to progressive destruction of articular cartilage with ankylosing of the sacroiliac joint and small joints of the spine and erosion of the subchondral bone, while in the latter extra-articular sclerosis is observed. Later, similar changes occur in the pubic symphysis.

At the same time, ossification of the ligamentous apparatus of the spine occurs, as a result of which adjacent vertebrae are connected by bone bridges - syndesmophytes are formed. Subsequently, the intervertebral discs and ligaments completely ossify and the spine takes on the classic appearance of a bamboo stick, which is characteristic of advanced Besterev’s disease. In the vertebral bodies, progressive atrophy of the beams with symptoms of osteoporosis is observed. The spine becomes brittle and easily injured. In some cases, primary growth of the connective tissue of individual discs is possible, which leads to the destruction of the subchondral bone plates of adjacent vertebrae with their subsequent destruction. The changes described above eventually lead to complete immobility of the spine, lordosis is lost and pronounced kyphosis develops.

The onset of the disease is almost always imperceptible, the course is chronic, progressive, with periodic exacerbations and remissions. Most often, the disease develops in men aged 20-30 years; its course is more severe than the younger the patient was before the onset of the disease.

Already at the beginning of the disease, details of the medical history make it possible to find out about the presence of morning stiffness of the spine, which disappears during the day. Often, during the initial examination, a decrease in the respiratory excursion of the chest and a barely noticeable dorsal kyphosis are detected. Particularly characteristic is pain in the buttocks and thighs, which can spread to all lower limbs, resembling sciatica. Depending on the rate of development of the disease over a period of 2 to 10 or more years, the entire spine is affected, and often the joints of the extremities, especially the lower ones.

The central (axial) form of ankylosing spondylitis, in which only the spine is affected, occurs more often and can clinically manifest itself in two types:

• kyphosis - thoracic kyphosis, hyperlordosis of the cervical spine;
• rigid - absence of lumbar lordosis and kyphosis of the thoracic spine; the patient's back is straight, like a board.

In most cases, this form of the disease begins unnoticed. Sometimes the onset of the disease coincides with an acute infection (flu, sore throat), urological infection, hypothermia, or injury. In the initial stages, there are often only signs of bilateral sacroiliitis; gradually the process spreads upward, pain appears in the sacrum and lower back, sharply intensifies during flexion and extension of the torso. Segmental rigidity develops in the lumbar spine, and atrophy of the buttock muscles may occur. In patients with severe pain, the gait becomes cautious and constrained. On palpation, pain is detected in the area of ​​the sacrolumbar communications and in the places of tendon attachment, as well as a symptom of a tense string - tension in the spinal muscles on the side of the body tilt. Prolonged and pronounced rigidity is a manifestation of high activity of the inflammatory process, and reflects it to a greater extent than laboratory tests.

The presence of sacroiliitis is indicated by pain in the sacrolumbar joints, manifested by Kushelevsky and Patrick symptoms.

Kushelevsky's symptoms:

• the patient lies on his back, the doctor jerks the crests of the iliac bones in front - the appearance of pain indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the iliosacral joints;
• the patient lies on a hard couch on his side, the doctor sharply presses on a section of the ilium - the appearance of pain indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the iliosacral joints.

Patrick's symptom:

• the patient lies on his back, the leg is bent at the knee joint and laid to the side; the doctor, leaning on the opposite ilium, presses on the knee joint, which causes pain.

Mennel's symptoms are also of diagnostic value:

• the patient lies on his stomach, his pelvis is fixed with one hand, and with the other hand he lifts one or the other leg, bent at the knee joint, in turn; in case of pathology in the area of ​​the sacroiliac joint, pain occurs on the affected side;
• the patient lies on his side and hugs his leg, bent at the hip and knee joints, with his hands, and the doctor fixes the other bent leg (one hand under the spine, the other on the buttocks) and straightens it at the hip joint; in the case of an inflammatory process in the sacroiliac joints, the patient experiences severe pain; moderate pain, intensifying when the patient releases the leg that he was fixing, indicates a pathological process in the lumbosacral region;
• the patient lying on his stomach with his legs extended, the spine is fixed above the suspected site of vertebral damage; when lifting one or both legs, pain occurs in the area of ​​the affected vertebra.

For the rigid variant of the disease, which often begins with sciatic syndrome, it is important to identify the Lacega symptom, which is important for diagnosing sciatic neuralgia:

• the patient lies on his back, on the side of the lesion he is taken by the foot of the leg, straightened at the knee joint, and lifted up; pain occurs throughout the entire leg, which subsides after the leg is bent at the knee, that is, the tension of the ligaments and muscles, which provokes irritation of the sciatic nerve, will decrease.

When the thoracic spine is affected, intercostal neuralgia and girdle pain in the chest appear, which intensifies with a deep breath, coughing, or going down the stairs. Early restriction of the respiratory excursion of the lungs occurs. Measuring the degree of expansion of the chest allows us to identify the pathological process in the costovertebral joints. Normally, the difference in chest volume at the height of inhalation and exhalation is on average 6-8 cm. As a rule, at an early stage of the disease, limitation of chest excursion is observed in the morning, then it gradually progresses and in the case of ankylosis of the costovertebral joints it decreases to 1 -2 cm.

Impaired flexibility of the spine, in particular in the thoracic region, can be detected using the Ott test from the spinous process of the VII cervical vertebra. In healthy people it increases by 4-5 cm, but in case of ankylosing spondylitis it does not change.

During examination, kyphosis or kyphoscoliosis, as well as atrophy of the rectus dorsi muscles, are often observed: the patient moves with his legs spread wide and making a nodding movement with his head. To identify pain syndrome, use the Zatsepin test: when pressed at the attachment points of the X-XII ribs to the vertebrae, pain appears due to inflammation in the costovertebral joints.

The presence of syndesmophytes of all parts of the spine leads to limitation, and over time, to its complete immobility. Limitation of lumbar mobility is identified using the following signs:

• Schober's symptom - in a patient in an upright position, two points are indicated, at the level of the V lumbar vertebra and 10 cm above it; with maximum forward flexion of the torso in healthy people, this distance increases by 4-5 cm, and in patients with ankylosing spondylitis it changes little;
• Thomayer's symptom - the patient should point the tips of his fingers towards the floor with his legs fully extended at the knee joints; if movement in the lumbar spine is limited, the patient cannot reach the floor.

Movement in all directions in such patients is difficult; they are forced to turn their whole body to look to the side. Damage to the cervical spine is manifested by severe pain when moving, which can lead to complete immobility. In some cases, dislocations and subluxations of the atlas are possible. To determine the degree of limitation of mobility in the cervical spine, several techniques are used:

• normally, at maximum flexion, the distance between the chin and sternum is 0-2 cm, and at maximum throw of the head - 16-22 cm; in case of mobility impairment, these indicators change significantly;
• Forestier's symptom - the patient stands with his back to the wall, touching it with his heels, while normally the back of the head touches the walls; with ankylosing spondylitis, deviation in the back of the head from the wall reaches 15 cm or more due to hyperlordosis of the cervical spine and smoothness of the lumbar lordosis (supplicant pose).

In 17-18% of cases, ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by the development of spondyloarthritis and sacroiliitis, as well as damage to the shoulder and hip joints. When only the shoulder joints are involved in the process, the course of the disease is more favorable, and dysfunction is rare.

The advanced stage of the disease is characterized by constant pain in the spine of an inflammatory nature, which over time covers the entire spine with a sharp limitation of all its functions. There is also pain in the legs (in the thigh and calf muscles). The spine is fixed in different positions, forming the types of pathological posture characteristic of this disease.

There is a kyphosis type, in which kyphosis of the thoracic spine and hyperlordosis of the cervical spine are pronounced, as well as a rigid type, characterized by smoothing of the lordosis and kyphosis of the thoracic spine, as a result of which the patient’s back looks straight, like a board. At a late stage of the disease, the pathological process covers all parts of the spine.

The progressive process of ankylosis reaches a high degree: the vertebral bodies are fused to each other. The characteristic pose of the petitioner is established (a person in the form of a sign). The pain syndrome becomes less pronounced, since all joints are ankylosed. The performance of patients sharply decreases.

The clinical picture of the juvenile form of ankylosing spondylitis has a number of features that must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis of the lower extremities is found in 50% of patients, while signs of inflammation in the joints are mild and unstable; In some patients, damage to the periarticular tissues is detected. For young men, the onset of the disease is typical with damage to 1-2 large joints, especially the hip. Coxitis can occur in isolation for a long time, when there are no signs of general inflammation. The disease progresses slowly, the symptoms of spinal damage are mild, and spinal function is maintained for a long time. In women, the pathological process is often limited to sacroiliitis, which occurs early, covers several vertebrae, and is rarely accompanied by syndesmophytosis; Spinal ankylosis, as a rule, does not develop.

Characteristic clinical features of joint lesions in the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis are predominant asymmetric lesions of the joints of the lower extremities, instability, benign course, nocturnal arthralgia and myalgia, febrile syndrome.

Risk factors for severe course of ankylosing spondylitis are:

• male gender;
• development of the disease before the age of 19 years;
• limited mobility of the spine in the first 2 years of the disease;
• oligoarthritis;
• arthritis of the hip joints at the onset of the disease;
• combination of peripheral arthritis and enthesitis at the onset of the disease;
• high ESR values;
• presence of C-reactive protein for many months;
• HLA-B27 antigen;
• low effectiveness of NSAIDs;
• family predisposition to the disease.

How to treat ankylosing spondylitis?

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis its principles are similar to other rheumatic diseases (timeliness, complexity, use of optimal doses of drugs, duration, phasing, consistency), but it has some peculiarities. Therapy includes:

• measures to eliminate the causes of the onset or exacerbation of the disease;
• increasing the body's defenses;
• timely and sufficient use of antirheumatic drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process and prevent deformation of the spine and joints;
• reduction or complete elimination of hypertension of the longitudinal muscles of the back;
• restoration and preservation of the function of the spine and joints.

The cause of exacerbation of the disease may be colds, physical and mental stress. Exacerbations occur especially often after severe infections, so during a flu epidemic, as well as in spring and autumn, courses of anti-inflammatory therapy should be carried out.

Important measures are also the identification and sanitation of foci of chronic infection (chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis, recurrent urethritis and prostatitis of non-gonorrheal origin). To reduce the intensity of pain and stiffness, NSAIDs are prescribed. NSAIDs provide a pronounced analgesic effect in patients with both central and peripheral forms of ankylosing spondylitis. With long-term treatment with NSAIDs, especially non-selective COX inhibitors, you need to remember the likelihood of developing gastrointestinal complications, headache and dizziness, and sometimes depression and allergic skin reactions.

Phenylbutazone is effective in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis in the active phase, which allows you to control the main symptoms of the disease: pain, swelling of the joints, stiffness. However, this drug is used only in exceptional cases, as it contributes to the development of serious adverse reactions.

Prescribing corticosteroids for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is inappropriate in most cases. Prednisolone in medium doses is used only in cases of absolute ineffectiveness of NSAIDs.

For damage to peripheral joints (except the hip), intra-articular injections of diprospan, kenalog, metipred, and hydrocortisone are used. Systemic use of GCS is indicated for ankylosing spondylitis in the following cases:

• the presence of severe peripheral arthritis with severe functional insufficiency of the joints;
• polyarticular nature of the lesion;
• resistant coxite;
• maximum activity of ankylosing spondylitis lasting more than 3 months with resistance to other types of therapy;
• high values ​​of acute phase indicators for 3 months or more;
• the presence of systemic manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis.

In the case of a stable, torpid course of the disease, pulse therapy can be used.

In severe cases of the disease with fever and visceritis, if it is impossible to use glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive drugs are used carefully. In case of complication of ankylosing spondylitis by osteoporosis, anti-osteoporotic drugs (myocalcic, fosamax, etc.) are used, which mainly affect local structures at the places of attachment of ligaments, tendons and joint capsules to them.

Promising treatments for ankylosing spondylitis are the following biological agents: infliximab (chimeric monoclonal antibodies to TNF-a) and etanercept (recombinant human TNF-a receptors). The drugs are effective in patients with severe disease who are resistant to other methods. During treatment with biological agents, a slowdown in the progression of both peripheral arthritis and damage to the sacroiliac joints of the spine is observed. The drugs are contraindicated in patients with concomitant severe infections (tuberculosis, sepsis, abscesses, opportunistic infections) and severe heart failure.

As the activity of the inflammatory process decreases, physical therapy and physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed. Preference is given to thermal procedures (paraffin, ozokerite, mud, sauna) and radon baths. With ankylosing spondylitis, regular exercise therapy twice a day is extremely important - morning and evening. It is better to perform exercises 30-40 minutes after taking analgesics, when pain and stiffness in the spine decrease. An important element of physical exercise is constant control over posture. To prevent the development of contractures, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility in the spine, inductotherapy is prescribed:

• Bernard's currents,
• ultrasound,
• diadynamic currents,
• magnetotherapy.

Their use is limited by the degree of activity of the inflammatory process (if the activity is severe, physiotherapeutic procedures are contraindicated due to a possible exacerbation of the disease). When the disease activity is low and in the stage of relative remission, balneotherapy and mud therapy have a good effect.

Recently, laser therapy has also been used in the complex treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. X-rays produce a direct anti-inflammatory effect on affected tissues, thereby increasing the permeability of capillary membranes, as well as increasing vascular and lymphatic exudation. In addition, X-rays, acting on the ganglia of the spinal nerves, cause excitation and then inhibition of the autonomic nervous system, thereby improving blood circulation and reducing severe pain.

If conservative treatment is ineffective and ultrasound reveals an increase in the thickness of the synovial membrane of more than 4 mm, surgical intervention (synovectomy) is indicated; in the presence of ankylosis, mainly of the hip joints, endoprosthesis replacement is performed (complete replacement of the hip joint with a metal endoprosthesis). To correct persistent spinal deformity with the development of kyphosis, spinal osteotomy is used.

Treatment effectiveness criteria:

• normalization or reduction of clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activity;
• reduction (slowing) of radiographically confirmed progression of musculoskeletal system lesions.

What diseases can it be associated with?

Episcleritis, resistant to conventional treatment methods, can often be a harbinger of spinal damage.

The shoulder joints are unstable, but chronic arthritis can sometimes develop with muscle atrophy and limited movement. The peripheral form of ankylosing spondylitis is characterized, in addition to lesions of the sacrolumbar joints and spine, by arthritis of large (elbow, knee, ankle) and small joints of the extremities, which in some patients develops even before the onset of symptoms of sacroiliitis. The frequency of this form is very variable - from 20 to 50% of all cases of ankylosing spondylitis.

Arthritis is often subacute, asymmetrical, predominantly affecting the knee and supracalcaneal-tibial joints as mono- or oligoarthritis, and in most cases has a benign, relapsing course. The interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints are rarely affected.

In the visceral form of ankylosing spondylitis, regardless of the stage of damage to the spine and the spread of articular syndrome, damage to internal organs (heart, aorta, lungs, kidneys) develops:

• damage to the cardiovascular system most often manifests itself as carditis involving the base of the aortic valves in the pathological process, accompanied by the development of aortic insufficiency, as well as; sometimes patients complain of palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, a feeling of interruptions in the heart; damage to the heart and aorta progresses very slowly and in most cases does not lead to circulatory failure;
• kidney lesions (up to 30% of cases of ankylosing spondylitis) develop predominantly according to the type, which develops with high activity of the inflammatory process and a severe progressive course of the disease, which often leads to severe renal failure;
• primary progressive lung damage in ankylosing spondylitis is relatively rare, however, already in the early period of the disease, when the thoracic spine is affected, patients are found to have limited respiratory excursion of the chest, which leads to the development of respiratory diseases and.

At a late stage of the disease, due to compression of the nerve roots, lumbar artery and displacement of the vertebrae, cervicobrachialgia, vertebrobasilar syndrome, thoracic and lumbar radiculitis, muscle cramps, attacks of shortness of breath, and increased blood pressure may occur.

Peripheral arthritis of small joints in AS is not accompanied by a significant exudative component and pronounced destruction of the articular surfaces of bones, and is characterized by a favorable course and prognosis compared to rheumatoid arthritis.

In the later stages of rheumatoid arthritis, the sacroiliac joints and small joints of the spine, especially the cervical spine, are sometimes affected. However, with rheumatoid arthritis, there is no ossification of the vertebral tissues, the mobility of the chest is not limited, and characteristic changes in the peripheral joints appear.

With ankylosing spondylitis, it is recurrent in nature, occurring on one side or the other, which gives specificity to spondylitis and distinguishes it from disc prolapse - it is known as oscillatory bilateral sciatica.

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis at home

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis In many respects, it is carried out at home, but consultation with specialized specialists is an indispensable condition. If the doctor recommends hospitalization, you should not refuse it. It is in a hospital setting that therapy for the acute period of the disease is carried out.

As the activity of the inflammatory process decreases, the patient is discharged home, but treatment of the disease at home continues and is often lifelong. Physical therapy and physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed. In this case, light gymnastics is recommended, taking into account the pain syndrome (30 minutes 1-2 times a day), as well as kinesitherapy. In the absence of exacerbation of the disease, swimming and skiing are indicated. It is also necessary to train the muscles of the limbs to prevent their atrophy; Massage is used for this purpose. To prevent spinal deformities, the patient must sleep on a flat, hard bed with a small pillow.

The main objectives of dispensary observation of this category of patients are:

• prevention of exacerbation;
• restoration or preservation of joint and spine functions;
• determination of indications for re-hospitalization and sanatorium-resort treatment.

Sanatorium-resort treatment plays the role of basic therapy for the disease, both in terms of influencing pain and improving spinal mobility, and in terms of preventing the progression of the process and preventing disability. Most patients annually in the spring-summer period are indicated for spa treatment, after which they, as a rule, do not require drug treatment for 4-6 months. Hydrogen sulfide and radon baths and mud applications are especially effective in the resorts of Odessa, Evpatoria, Saki, Pyatigorsk, and Tskaltubo. In addition to natural factors, physiotherapeutic methods of treatment and exercise therapy are widely used in resorts and sanatoriums.

What drugs are used to treat ankylosing spondylitis?

Selective COX-2 inhibitors from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:

• - 15-22.5 mg once a day,
• - 100 mg 2 times a day,
• - 200 mg 1-2 times a day).

Non-selective NSAIDs:

• - 600 mg per day,
• - 100 mg per day,
• - 150 mg per day.

Glucocorticosteroids:

• - 15-20 mg per day in short courses for 2-3 months.

Pulse therapy

• - 1000 mg intravenous drip daily for 3 days.

Immunosuppressive drugs:

• - 50-100 mg per day,
• - 7.5-15 mg per week,
• - 5-10 mg per day,
• - 50-100 mg per day.

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with traditional methods

Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term disease that passes from one stage to another, characterized by different symptoms and the risk of certain complications. Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis You should entrust it to a professional physician, but you should not forget about traditional medicines, the use of which is recommended to be discussed with your doctor. Take note of the following recipes:

• Mix 20 grams of crushed Thamus vulgare root with a tablespoon of vegetable oil; use for rubbing into diseased joints or spine at night for two weeks;
• Pour 10 grams of aconite root with 100 grams of 60% alcohol, leave to infuse for two weeks, shake the container periodically; strain, use for rubbing into affected joints for 21 days, after a month the course can be repeated;
• combine in equal proportions wild rosemary, sweet clover, alder, speedwell, cinquefoil, elm, birch, dandelion, loboda, pine, currant, strawberry, rue, cherry blossom, kirkazon; Place 300 grams of the resulting mixture in a cotton bag and boil in 5 liters of water for 20 minutes, leave for another two hours; pour the resulting infusion into a warm bath (40°C), which is recommended to be taken twice a week for 9 weeks during the period of remission.

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis during pregnancy

Pregnancy in women with ankylosing spondylitis does not have a particular risk for either the mother or the fetus. It is worth noting that the disease itself can affect sexual function in various ways (which is manifested by stiffness of movements), but reproductive function is usually not impaired.

Medical practice shows that during pregnancy there are practically no symptoms of worsening of the course of ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis does not affect fertility and pregnancy, and does not increase the risk of premature birth. In most cases, childbirth occurs naturally, but if there are changes in the hip joints and sacroiliac joints, the doctor will recommend a cesarean section. It would be absolutely reasonable and correct to inform your gynecologist about the presence of the disease and, together with a specialist, come to a decision on the peculiarities of delivery.

Which doctors should you contact if you have ankylosing spondylitis?

To diagnose ankylosing spondylitis, the following criteria are used:

• constant pain in the sacrum at rest for 3 months;
• pain and stiffness in the chest;
• limited mobility of the lumbar spine;
• limitation of chest excursion;
• acute or history of iritis;
• bilateral sacroiliitis, manifested on X-ray examination.

Ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed in the presence of bilateral sacroiliitis and one of the clinical criteria or in the presence of 4 out of 5 criteria.

Sometimes in clinical practice the following criteria are used:

• pain in the sacrum for 3 months, decreasing during exercise, constant at rest;
• limited mobility of the lumbar spine in the sagittal and frontal planes;
• decrease in chest excursion relative to the norm corresponding to age and gender;
• X-ray data: bilateral sacroiliitis stage II-IV or unilateral sacroiliitis stage III-IV.

If you suspect ankylosing spondylitis, after analyzing the clinical manifestations, you need to evaluate the functional state of the spine. To do this, determine the symptoms of Kushelevsky and Mennel, which make it possible to identify subclinical forms of sacroiliitis. Then the mobility of the lumbar (Schober's sign), thoracic (Ott's sign) and cervical (Forestier's sign) spine is examined, and the mobility of the spine as a whole is assessed (Thomayer's sign). Determining the listed symptoms is of greatest importance in assessing the effectiveness of therapy.

A general blood test reveals a slight increase in ESR in 50-60% of cases. However, in the case of the central form of the disease, ESR may remain unchanged for many years. Relatively often (up to 25%) they exhibit hypochromic anemia. Determining the content of total protein, globulin fractions, fibrinogen, a test for C-reactive protein, etc. is of certain value for diagnosing an exacerbation of the disease. In patients with moderate and high levels of activity of ankylosing spondylitis, the activity of some lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase, acid hyaluronidase, proteinase, deoxyribonuclease, etc.) increases. The only immunological indicator in ankylosing spondylitis that is of great importance for diagnosing the disease is HLA-B27, which is found in 90% of patients. Much less often (20-40%) this indicator is found in other diseases characterized by inflammation of the sacroiliac joints (psoriatic arthropathy, Reiter's disease, etc.) and very rarely (4-8%) in healthy individuals.

Rheumatoid factor, characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis, occurs only in cases where peripheral joints are involved in the pathological process. Crucial in the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is radiography, which is used to determine signs of sacroiliitis, spinal lesions, syndesmophytes, changes in the pubic symphysis, ischium, ilium and calcaneus. The earliest and most constant radiological sign of ankylosing spondylitis is damage to the sacroiliac joints - bilateral sacroiliitis, which manifests itself as focal subchondral osteoporosis, due to which the contours of the joints become unclear, while periarticular osteoporosis of the iliac and sacral bones develops.

Subsequently, erosiveness of the subchondral bone appears, as a result of which the edges of the joint become uneven, the joint space gradually narrows until it completely disappears and ankylosis forms.

Important reliable symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are ossification of the intervertebral ligaments and the outer part of the intervertebral disc, but they are detected at a late stage of the disease. Syndesmophytes, which primarily arise between the XII thoracic and I lumbar vertebrae, are characterized by a continuous transition from one intervertebral space to another. In this case, the adjacent vertebral segments are covered by the process of enhanced sclerosis.

Using thermography at the early stage of the disease, when patients note only severe pain in the lower back, zones of thermogenic activity are detected in the upper part of the sacroiliac joints and in the region of the IV-V lumbar vertebrae.

Radionuclide testing is of great importance for the early and differential diagnosis of diseases of the spine and joints, it allows one to clarify the degree of activity of the local inflammatory process, identify areas of damage to the spine or joints in the absence of clinical signs of inflammation, and make an objective assessment of the dynamics of pathological changes.

In differential diagnosis, it is first necessary to distinguish ankylosing spondylitis from degenerative lesions of the spine (osteochondrosis, spondylosis). Degenerative changes in the spine occur mainly in people over 40 years of age, while ankylosing spondylitis most often develops in young men. In the presence of a degenerative process, pain in the spine occurs or intensifies after physical exertion at the end of the working day; with ankylosing spondylitis, on the contrary, the pain intensifies at rest or in case of prolonged stay in the same position, especially in the second half of the night. With the development of spondylosis, limited mobility occurs through severe pain and the development of secondary radiculitis, while an early symptom of ankylosing spondylosis is tension in the back muscles, followed by the gradual development of their atrophy and stiffness of the spine.

The information is for educational purposes only. Do not self-medicate; For all questions regarding the definition of the disease and methods of its treatment, consult your doctor. EUROLAB is not responsible for the consequences caused by the use of information posted on the portal.

Herbal treatment is not very effective, but it is popular. This article lists the most famous recipes.

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Contraindications

You can use any folk remedies only after agreement with your doctor. There are also general contraindications:

1. Individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
2. Allergy to the components of the drug;
3. Alcohol-containing products for oral administration are contraindicated for people with alcohol dependence, pregnant and lactating women;
4. Topical products should not be applied to damaged skin.

Pregnant and lactating women and people with endocrine system disorders need to be especially careful.

Is it possible to cure with folk remedies?

It is impossible to completely cure ankylosing spondylitis. This is an incurable condition that gradually progresses and leads to disability. But while medications can slow down the progression of pathology and provide a lasting positive effect, folk remedies are not capable of this. Therefore, you cannot rely on their effectiveness. They can, with the permission of the doctor, be used as an additional method to drug therapy, but do not replace it.

How to treat ankylosing spondylitis at home?

The following traditional methods of treating ankylosing spondylitis are the most widely used:

• Baths that reduce inflammation and reduce the severity of pain. They need to be taken once every three days for 20 minutes; it is very important not to miss a dose, since the treatment has a cumulative effect. To prepare such a bath, mix in equal volumes pine, rue, strawberries, kirkazon, currants, wild rosemary, alder, sweet clover, birch and elm leaves, cinquefoil and pine needles. Measure out 300 g of the mixture and place it in a cloth bag. Place the bag in the bathroom and fill it with water at a temperature of approximately 40 degrees;
• Celandine has a good analgesic effect. You need to collect a sufficient amount of fresh plant and squeeze the juice out of it. This product should be applied to the affected areas daily. The juice should always be fresh, but can be stored for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. The decoction does not have such an effect;
• A camphor-based remedy will help relieve swelling and pain. It should be applied daily before bed to the affected areas. To prepare it, you need to grate a piece of baby soap without chemical additives, pour 60 g of ammonia and half a liter of vodka into the solution. Then add 15 g of camphor. Pour everything into a jar with a tight lid and shake until the solid component is completely dissolved;
• A good pain reliever can be prepared from camphor, mustard powder and alcohol. You need to mix 50 grams of powder and camphor and add 100 ml of medical alcohol. Mix everything until smooth and apply to the affected joints once a day, in the evening;
• If the patient has been prescribed a massage, then you can prepare a special composition for its implementation, which effectively relieves inflammation and can relieve pain. To do this, you need to finely chop or grate fresh thamus root. Pour sunflower oil over the root, cover the mixture with a lid and let it brew for two weeks in a dark place. After this, strain and perform massages with the resulting solution daily for at least two weeks;
• Systemic herbal medicine, including the use of decoctions orally, can slow down the development of the pathological process. You can prepare a decoction that relieves inflammation and pain with regular use as follows: mix wild rosemary, string, elecampane, violet, oregano, eucalyptus, thyme and almost pine in equal parts, measure 2 tablespoons of the mixture and pour two glasses of cold water. Boil the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, then leave to brew for another 10. Strain it to remove foreign matter and take 100 ml before meals. To be effective, such treatment must be continued for at least 3 months;
• Aconite medicinal ointment can slow down the progression of the pathological process. To prepare it, you need to rinse and peel fresh aconite roots in warm water, grate them on a fine grater, and then squeeze out the juice from them, at least about a glass. Combine a glass of juice with a glass of melted lard, mix the mixtures thoroughly and cover the container with them. In this form, the mixture should be infused in a dark place at normal temperature for a week. After this, the ointment is applied to the affected areas once a day to achieve an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect;
• The following decoction effectively relieves pain and can also restore mobility to the spine. To prepare it, mix marigolds, celandine, hops in equal parts and add to them rose hips, string and motherwort in twice the proportion. Measure out 3 teaspoons of the mixture and pour a liter of boiling water. The mixture must sit for at least 24 hours. You need to consume half a glass before meals three times a day, for 35-45 days, and if necessary, the course can be repeated after a week's break. In addition to its main effect, the product also has an excellent effect on metabolism;
• To restore mobility and relieve pain, you can prepare an infusion. It is necessary to prepare two mixtures, the components of which are combined in equal proportions: from lingonberries, birch and lilacs and from knotweed and chestnut fruits. Now you need to combine these mixtures in proportions of 2 to 1, respectively. Measure out 3 tablespoons of the resulting mixture and pour half a liter of boiling water over them. The mixture needs to be boiled in a water bath for an hour and a half and strained, then pour in the tincture of lilac buds (a mixture of 1 part buds and 5 parts alcohol, infused for several weeks). Take the product for a month 3-4 times a day before meals, 3 large sips (it is better to take two courses to prevent exacerbation of the disease);
• Sunflower tincture, which can restore flexibility and motor function of the spine, has a good effect in the early stages. To prepare it, you need to finely chop 5-6 unopened flower baskets, grate or grind in a blender, and pour two bottles of vodka. Pour everything into a transparent container, close the lid and let it brew in a bright, warm place. Then strain the composition and take 30-40 drops daily before meals, washed down with unsweetened tea.

When using traditional methods of therapy, consistency is very important. Such products always have a cumulative effect, that is, they show their effectiveness only after several days, and sometimes weeks, of administration. Therefore, it is very important to carefully follow the dosage regimen, do not skip taking the drug and do not interrupt the course until it is completed according to the regimen. Only with this approach will it be possible to achieve at least some effectiveness from this approach.