Causes of ankylosing spondylitis have not been studied thoroughly, but it is known that people who are carriers of HLA-B27 gene, there is a genetic predisposition to the disease Ankylosing spondylitis (BB).

The immune system of people "mistakenly" thinks alien attack their tissue of the joints and ligaments, causing inflammation and damage.

However, even in the presence of this gene, ill Ankylosing spondylitis is not all that is the mystery and the subject of further studies for physicians - rheumatologists.

Additional factors that can trigger the development of the disease Ankylosing spondylitis, are considered to change the immune status of the - for hypothermia, colds, viral and infectious - allergic diseases, as well as the pelvis and spinal injuries.

In addition, the latest research scientists have shown that ankylosing spondylitis is also a psychosomatic illness as more than a third of cases the first symptoms began to manifest itself after severe and prolonged stress.

Diagnosis and distinctive symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

Because some of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis is very similar to the symptoms of degenerative disc disease in the initial stage of the disease is often confused, because ankylosing spondylitis often starts as an ordinary low back pain - pain in the lumbar region and the painful stress of the back muscles.

Therefore, for correct diagnosis and start early treatment is very important to identify the disease at the very beginning of its development in order to prevent the complete immobilization of the spine and of the terrible related complications.

If the person in osteochondrosis can be tilted in at least one direction, or to turn to the right - left with the movement of ankylosing spondylitis, usually broken in all directions. In addition, the common feature of ankylosing spondylitis is swelling and tenderness of the joints, as well as the characteristic change of posture, posture called "supplicant"

When forming the supplicant posture of the patient is a gradual straightening of the normal curvature of the spine - lower back becomes straight and flat. Later freezes thoracic spine, there is a strong stoop and legs when walking instinctively bend at the knees. Over time, the stiffness of the spine up to the point that a person begins to move as if he instead spine unbending stick.

Timely diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis

Correctly diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis help the following methods:

X-rays of the spine in which the experienced physician may notice the early signs of changes in bone and joints,
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
a blood test for C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the presence of antigen HLA-B27.
Indicator ESR greater than 30 mm / h and the presence of HLA-B27 antigen validate the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis.

Exercising with ankylosing spondylitis: the success of rehabilitation

 As the basis of therapy in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis patients with the following medications are assigned:

long courses (from 1 year to 5 years), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help to significantly slow down the progression of the disease,
antirheumatic drugs
corticosteroids
necrosis factor blockers.
Sometimes, in particularly severe disease, shows the assignment of immunosuppressants.

In addition, it is important to sanitize all foci of chronic infections in the body and perform restorative therapy - it's good to help prevent cases of relapse.

Alternatively, treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is very successfully used:

acupuncture,
reflexology,
magnetic therapy,
pchelolechenie,
hirudotherapy,
physiotherapy,
massage.

Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches) with ankylosing spondylitis

Hirudotherapy in ankylosing spondylitis has a good anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-bacterial effect. This is because, contained in the saliva of leeches enzymes (hirudin, eglin, destabilase) soften and make the plastic more stiff spine, reduce inflammation and tissue damage of ligaments and joints and normalize blood flow.

In addition, treatment with leeches has a beneficial effect on the entire body - due to improved blood circulation and better oxygenated blood, dissolve blood clots, normalizes metabolism, improves sleep, appetite and mood, and increases immunity.


Exercising with ankylosing spondylitis is of great importance, as regular exercise and exercise increase blood flow in the joints, helping to maintain the mobility of the spine and lower limbs, stop disease progression and prevent disability.

However, it should be remembered that the physical load for ankylosing spondylitis patients should be feasible and gentle, so as not to lead to a deterioration of health:

Thus, patients
 absolutely contraindicated in running, jumping, shaking in transportation and hypothermia. In contrast, very useful quiet walking (to 3 - 5 kilometers), including skiing on a flat terrain.
Swimming in water bodies and pools of water may be at a temperature no lower than 23 - 22 degrees, and the holiday is recommended in areas with a warm and dry climate.
If you have a long time to be in the same position, it is necessary each hour change body position. During the day, preferably several times to lie down on the hard bed without a pillow when lying on stomach with legs straight. If in this position it is impossible to straighten up, you can put a small pillow under the stomach.
Sport physiotherapy should be mandatory daily procedure, even if you feel well and have no hope of restoring spinal mobility. The fact is that, due to the splice joints and immobility chest ventilation deteriorates, which can lead to pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis and other diseases.

Therefore, in order to prevent serious complications, patients with Ankylosing spondylitis is vital elementary breathing exercises (daily, 3-4 times a day, inflate a balloon) and regular walks in the fresh air.


The complex of therapeutic exercises with ankylosing spondylitis

Starting position - Sitting on a chair

Turns head to the right and the left, half circles and head tilts his ear to the shoulder.
Hands on his belt, the blades are brought together, back straight - chin stretch forward.
Hands out to the sides, fingers clenched into a fist - chin hug the neck and connect the shoulder blade.

Starting position - lying on his back

Lift your head and stretch your chin to the stomach.
Hands pull along the torso, legs join together - based on the heel, back of the head and hands, lift your pelvis as high as possible and cave in.
Get hands behind his head, legs together, feet on - lift the body by 45 degrees, linger a bit in this position and slowly lower to the starting position.
Raise the straightened legs and work out them alternately in different directions circular motion.
Bend your legs, arms behind his head rewound - lift the pelvis, cave and descend smoothly.

Starting position - lying on the side

Both move the knee to the chest and try to reach them to his forehead. Then straighten your legs and arch your back.
Perform alternately straight leg swings forward - back and leg lifts straight up.
Bend your leg at the knee, and perform a circular motion in the hip joint.

However, it is worth noting that physical exercises can not be on their own, it must be paired with your doctor, who will take into account the individual characteristics of the course of ankylosing spondylitis and overall health.


Massage, diet and prevention of complications at ankylosing spondylitis

Massage with ankylosing spondylitis, used in conjunction with physical therapy, well relieves pain and muscle fatigue, strengthens the muscular system, normalizes the tone and helps to preserve the motor capacity of the vertebrae.

However, massage is just outside the acute stage, should be light and gentle, no harsh techniques (cutting, effleurage) and carried out by a qualified technician. The total duration of massage treatments should not exceed 25 minutes, after the course of treatment (20 - 25 sessions) needed a break for 3 - 4 weeks.

Proper nutrition with ankylosing spondylitis, as with any other chronic inflammatory disease, should be balanced, but not excessive, so as not to lead to obesity.

Calorie diet should closely match the physiological needs of the body and physical activity of the patient as well as being overweight creates a dangerous additional burden on the joints of the spine and lower limbs.

The menu should be a sufficient amount of protein foods, especially fish and low-fat dairy products, fresh vegetable salad with the addition of unrefined sunflower or corn oil, fruit and vegetables.
Regular table salt substitute at sea, containing a variety of useful minerals. Nutritionists advise instead of salt added to the ready meals seaweed powder, which contains all necessary for normal functioning of bone and cartilage minerals.
In addition, the diet should exclude acute, smoked, fried and salty foods, alcohol and refined foods, preferring healthy homemade foods - wholegrain porridge, steamed and mashed vegetables and soups.
Doctors say if you stick to proper nutrition, the time will begin treatment and start to actively engage in physical therapy, the inflammation in the joints will be able to slow down and you will be able to lead a full life.