Suspected ankylosing spondylitis if the back is stiff for more than 30 minutes after sleeping
Dec 29, 2024
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Professor Jaemin Kim of rehabilitation medicine at the Catholic University of Korea's Incheon St. Mary's Hospital advised "Unlike discs, ankylosing spondylitis tends to reduce pain as it moves" and "If your back and pelvis are stiff every morning and the pain persists, you should visit a hospital rather than overlook it as simple pain"
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not yet known, but genetic factors are known to be closely related. In particular, a gene called HLA-B27 (HLA-B27, Human Leukocyte Antigen-B27) is often involved. If you have a family history and HLA-B27 is positive, the incidence appears to be 10% to 30%. However, a positive HLA-B27 does not necessarily result in ankylosing spondylitis. In addition to genetics, environmental factors and abnormalities in the immune system affect the onset.
Symptoms may vary from patient to patient, but they start slowly in the lower back or hip area in the early stages, and sometimes wake up due to severe pain at night. In addition to the spine, it can affect the area around the joints, hips, knees, and shoulders. In areas outside the spine, it may appear as a variety of systemic diseases such as uveitis, psoriasis, and intestinal inflammation.
Professor Jaemin Kim explained that "if ankylosing spondylitis is left unattended, the stiffness starting from the lower side of the spine will progress upward, and the spine can be transformed into a 'Bambo spin' where the spine hardens like a long bone"This makes even the basic movements of bending the waist forward or backward difficult, which greatly reduces the quality of life" he said.
Although ankylosing spondylitis is difficult to prevent, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent spinal deformation and stiffness. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are primarily used for drug treatment, and biological agents such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors are used if symptoms are severe. TNF-alpha inhibitors help to quickly relieve inflammation and reduce pain to return to daily life.
Exercise along with medication is essential for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Exercise is effective in maintaining flexibility in the spine and joints and preventing deformation. Low-intensity exercises such as stretching, swimming, and cycling are recommended. In addition, it is important to maintain posture and steadily practice movements that expand the range of motion of the joint.
If the stiffness of the back persists for more than 30 minutes in the morning, or if the pain does not improve even after taking a break, but gradually improves with movement, ankylosing spondylitis should be suspected. Initiation of appropriate treatment and management through early diagnosis can prevent spinal deformity and maintain a healthy routine.
Professor Jaemin Kim explained, "Intuitive spondylitis is a chronic disease that occurs mainly in young people, but if you don't leave it unattended, you can continue to live a sufficiently healthy life."It is important to break the vicious cycle of stiffness and pain through constant management and parallel treatment."
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