About this topic
Ankylosing spondylitis is swelling and soreness of the joints in the spine and pelvis. It is an autoimmune disease. This means the body attacks its own healthy tissues. As the body tries to heal itself, new bone is formed. Over time, the bones in the spine can fuse or join together. This problem often causes pain and stiffness in the lower back area. Sometimes, this problem can affect other areas like the eye or heart valves. It may also cause problems with stiffness in the ribs. This can make it hard to breathe when doing exercise. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take drugs as directed by your doctor.
- Do exercises for stretching, core strengthening, and breathing as instructed by your doctor or physical therapist.
- Use good posture when sitting and standing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy (PT) to help you heal faster. If you have certain problems with your eyes, lungs, heart, or joints, your doctor may send you to a specialist. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your pain gets better. Swimming or bicycling may be ways to stay in shape. These are not as hard on your joints as activities like running. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Eye problems ¢ ˆ ’ Your eyes may be sore. They may be sensitive to light. You may notice more tears or have blurred eyesight.
- Heart and breathing problems ¢ ˆ ’ You may have problems with the valves in your heart controlling the blood flow. You may also have problems breathing.
- Compression fractures ¢ ˆ ’ Your spine is weaker and the bones may crack a little. You may notice slouched posture. Some people also have nerve damage.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is nothing to be done to prevent this problem. Early treatment may give a better outcome. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse ‚
Helpful tips
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight puts extra stress on your joints.
- If you smoke, quit. People who have ankylosing spondylitis and smoke are at much higher risk for severe damage.
- Swimming and water aerobics are good ways to exercise. Swimming is not hard on your joints.
- Always use good posture. Do not slouch. Remind yourself to keep your shoulders back and head up when sitting or standing.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I am not feeling better.
Where can I learn more?
Arthritis Foundation ‚
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/ankylosing-spondylitis-as/ ‚
National Institute or Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Ankylosing_Spondylitis/default.asp ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/143/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚