Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the spine and lower back joints.
Pain and stiffness affect the whole back, and the bones of the spine can bind together, creating a deformity.
This process of fusion is called ankylosis and it can lead to a complete immobility of the spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis pain - Causes and basic facts The exact cause of the the disease is unknown to conventional medicine, however it is suspected to be a result of the abnormal immune system due to some hereditary and environmental factors.
Autoimmune disease presents itself when the body gets it wires crossed and starts attacking its own cells all the way "thinking" it's attacking enemy cells.
In this article we will take a look at some basic facts about ankylosing spondylitis pain in a comprehensive manner and then talk about some exciting news in the field of treatment of cranial arteritis that stirred the medical waters - about a holistic protocol that has an amazing success rate with ankylosing spondylitis and similar autoimmune disease.
Ankylosing spondylitis pain - Common manifestations Pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of this disease, and if they last a few months or longer, you should talk to a doctor.
Ankylosing spondylitis pain may also affect ligaments and tendons which are connected to the bones.
That pain can be felt around the ankles and heels of the feet.
Also not uncommon is the pain of other organs.
Hips and shoulders can be affected by this disease as well, so could the hips, typically in younger people.
Other symptoms of spondylitis may include fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, eye burning and pain, chest pain, and in some cases even a jaw infection.
This disease commonly affects more men than women, and it usually occurs before the age of 30.
The pain is generally worse in the morning, and over time it gets more severe.
Ankylosing spondylitis pain - Course of treatment in conventional medicine Main goal of treatment for the disease is to relieve pain and stiffness, reduce inflammation, and to keep the condition from progressing.
Treatment should make it easier to continue with daily activities.
Many different treatments are used for ankylosing spondylitis pain, including, but not limited to:
- Exercises to strengthen the back muscles and joints, ease the pain, maintain mobility and help with flexibility.
- Physical therapy to maintain proper posture
- Alternating hot and cold packs can help with the pain and soreness.
- Assistive devices such as canes and walkers, which are used to reduce the stress to the joints.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are used for pain, stiffness and inflammation of the affected areas.
- Corticosteroids can also help with the pain and inflammation, and are given by injection.
- Alternative treatments such as yoga, acupuncture and massage can help with the pain and improve overall quality of life.
- Sleeping on a firm mattress may also help manage the pain.
It should be treated in order to prevent the bony fusion, which increases the risk of spinal fracture due to the restricted range of movement.
It seems that recent advances are offering new found hope to the people suffering from this life-defining condition.
I am talking about a holistic protocol called The Norton Protocol that has evidently made some groundbreaking progress in the treatment of autoimmune disease.