Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ) is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine , causing inflammation and pain . People with AS often experience periods of increased disease activity that is commonly referred to as flares .
AS can cause symptoms such as lower back , pelvis , and hip pain . These symptoms may show up or worsen during flares . When flares occur , a person may find relief by following the steps in their sanctioned treatment plan .
Flares vary from person to person . However , the symptoms that a person might experience as a result of AS flares include :
+ Joint pain , often in the rib cage , shoulders , hips or knees .
+ Stiffness and pain in the back
+ Enthesitis , which is swelling and pain of the connective tissue .
+ Fever
+ Depression or anxiety
+ Fatigue
Other common symptoms are loss of appetite , rashes , loose stool and abdominal pains .
Common treatments for AS flares include :
+ Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) :
This type of medication medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen , helps reduce inflammation and pain . It is generally the first line of treatment .
+ Biologics : Doctors often use these medications , which target AS directly when NSAIDs don’t effectively manage symptoms and flares .
+ Gentle exercise : To prevent stiffness and pain in the joints and spine.
+ Massage is advised in certain cases under expert medical professionals.
Often a person cannot stop a flare from occuring even if they try to manage stress or taking a break during flare-ups.
Experts do not fully understand the root cause of AS . Evidence increasingly suggests that the HLA – B27 gene may increase the risk of AS , but not everyone with this gene , suffice to say , will develop this condition .
Similarly , it is still unknown what causes flares . However , a person may be able to identify flares brought about by certain factors like illness or injuries .
During surgery, your surgeon removes a damaged portion of your digestive tract and then reconnects the healthy sections . Surgery may also be used to close fistulas and drain abscesses .
The benefits of surgery for Crohn’s disease are usually temporary. The disease often recurs, frequently near the reconnected tissue. The best approach is to follow surgery with medication to minimize the risk of recurrence.
Flares are a way of life for people living with Ankylosing spondylitis . They do cause pain and stiffness in the spine and joints .
Managing flares often involves following a plan that a rheumatologist has helped create . You may take steps to alleviate the severity and frequency of flares by engaging in regular physical activity , giving a wide berth to known triggers and managing stress too .
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