Causes
The causes of ankylosing spondylitis are still not clearly understood. However, it is assumed that it is based on a genetic defect in the immune system, as 90% of the patients have the protein HLA-B27, which is responsible for the recognition and control of diseases.This type of protein can be different in each person, roughly following a similar pattern as the different blood groups. It has been found that HLA-B27 can sometimes react to pathogens slightly less strongly than other forms, resulting in a greater immune response, in the course of which one suspects the development of Bekhterev’s disease.
Therapy
There are a number of different therapeutic approaches to treat ankylosing spondylitis, often in combination. Since there is no cure for the disease, lifelong continuation of therapy is necessary. 1 Operation An operation is the last option for treatment of Bekhterev’s disease.
It is injected when the pain cannot be controlled with medication, the curvature of the spine is extremely advanced (so that, for example, eye contact with other people is no longer possible) or other organs are affected. 2. drugs The drugs of choice for Bekhterev’s disease are mainly pain and inflammation-inhibiting drugs such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), cortisones or drugs that block the so-called TNF-alpha (this is a substance that promotes inflammation). 3) Physiotherapy The most important part of the therapy for Bekhterev’s disease is physiotherapy with physiotherapy exercises as the main component. These maintain and improve the mobility of the spine and strengthen and stretch the muscles. In addition, cold, heat, electro or radon therapy can have a positive influence on the course of the disease and the pain.
History
The progression of Bekhterev’s disease can never be predicted exactly. The course varies from patient to patient, because even the disease can change over time. Since it is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, the course of Bekhterev’s disease can drag on for years.
If diagnosed and treated early, the inflammation can in most cases be well controlled with medication and regular exercise. The individual course of the disease varies greatly: some patients may experience a complete cessation of the disease, others a relapsing-like course, with individual attacks of varying length and severity, and others a constant pattern of symptoms. The therapy is therefore always adapted to the individual course of the disease with the aim of influencing it positively as much as possible. If left untreated, the spine can become stiff during the course of the disease, which then severely restricts the movements of those affected.