Ankylosis Spondylitus, a disease with a long sounding name. It causes inflammation of the joints and is commonly referred to as arthritis of the back. This is a progressive disease that continues without remorse. It encompasses degeneration of the disks in the vertebra of the back. It extends to cause pain in the hips, neck, knees and ankles. A general stiffness of the body is first noticed by the host. Its effects include difficulty in walking, getting in and out of cars and stiffness of the spinal column. The end result of this disease is total fusion of the spine. The effects of this disease progressively get worse. Over a period of time the ugly face of complete disability may stare you in the face. Back pain is accompanied by the inability to walk or move without constant and unbearable pain. Some people cannot actively function in jobs that they have occupied for many years with the onset of this disease. This disease can causes job changes or disability. Although there is no cure for this disease there are things that you can use to slow the disease down or lessen the pain associated with it. A mix of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM will slow down the effects of the disease. Physical therapy will also help to retard it's effects. Use the same medications that you would normally use for arthritic conditions. Salves or ointments normally reserved for arthritis treatment can be used in this capacity. Chiropractors use treatments that help break up the vertebrae in the spinal column with the hope of returning the spine to good health. If this disease continues unabated without some type of treatment organ damage can result. In order for a body to be healthy the vertebrae need to be flexible. Chiropractors offer manipulations as a way in which to achieve optimum health. Pain pills offered for arthritis relief can also be of value. Hot baths seem to have a beneficial effect. Start on some type of therapy as early as possible. This disease can be detected in several ways. The first issue to be considered is pain in the neck, shoulders and back. After consultation by a doctor the disease can be verified by xrays or by blood work. Start on the medications and exercise regimens early in order to forestall the onset of the diseases symptoms. If untreated this disease can have paralyzing results. Falling to the floor and not being able to arise and walk is one complication involved in this disease. Pain management and medications that soothe and lubricate the joints are used for optimum benefits. As the disease progresses physical activities enjoyed before the onset of symptoms related to the disease will have to be curtailed or stopped. Hopefully a total cure for this ailment will be brought about by medical intervention. Until that time we will have to use the tools that are available to us to limit the effects of this disease. |
