Signs of Ankylosing spondylitis
AS can affect movement and cause pains in your joints. When you experience pains in other areas of your body, then your condition is more severe. Signs of AS are seen in these areas of the body:
- Hips and shoulders: Studies show that about 2 in 4 people with AS feel pain in their hips. You feel the pain gradually. In some cases, you may feel the pain in your knees, anterior portion of the thigh, and groin.
- Eyes: Eye inflammation is observed in over 35% of people with AS. It would help to see your doctor immediately if you notice any changes. You may have to use steroid eye drops to improve the inflammation.
- Gut: Research shows that 1 in 10 people with AS has an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of this disease are tiredness, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea. You may also experience stomach pains caused by the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are normally prescribed to treat AS. You should visit your doctor urgently if you observe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or diarrhea.
- Jaw: Jaw inflammation is observed in about 10% of people with AS. It affects chewing. You can take pain relievers which include muscle relaxants or mouth guards.
- Bones: osteoporosis is commonly observed in people with AS. Osteoporosis can be treated using supplements and exercise. You can restore your bone density by taking vitamin D supplements every day. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking help maintain the strength of the bones. You can also use tai-chi to improve your balance.
- Heart: people with Ankylosing Spondylitis are more prone to heart conditions.
It is important to have good posture and learn how to maintain it. Use hard mattresses and stay away from hard pillows. You should sleep with your legs straight. Also, do not stoop or slouch when standing or sitting. You can regularly work out to improve flexibility.
Your doctor may recommend Swimming and other aquatic exercises. You can get tips from your doctor on what exercises to do. You can have a warm shower to reduce pain and soreness.
Conclusion
It would help to pay attention to your posture if you have Ankylosing spondylitis. You can also engage in stretching and breathing exercises. The main aim of treatment is to manage symptoms, improve spine flexibility, and avoid disease complications.
References
[1] https://teachmeanatomy.info/head/joints/temporomandibular/
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/
[3] https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
[4] https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Psoriatic-Arthritis
[5] https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm
[6] https://www.diabetes.org/