Ankylosing spondylitis
is a chronic inflammatory disease, which mainly invades sacroiliac joints, spinal apophysis, paravertebral soft tissues and peripheral joints, and brings a lot of pain to patients. Under the current medical level, ankylosing spondylitis is indeed difficult to achieve a radical cure, but this does not mean that it “can not be cured”, through scientific and reasonable treatment, can effectively control the development of the disease, alleviate symptoms, so that patients can live a better life.
The
characteristics of the disease determine that it is difficult to cure
The morbidity
of ankylosing spondylitis is related to many factors such as heredity, environment, immunity and so on. Its essence is that the autoimmune system is abnormal, and the body’s immune cells mistakenly attack their own joints, ligaments and other tissues, leading to the persistence of chronic inflammation. Moreover, this kind of inflammation often gradually causes bone destruction, fibrosis and ossification of joints and spine, and then causes irreversible pathological changes such as joint ankylosis and spinal deformity. Because of its complex etiology and unclear morbidity mechanism, it is difficult to fundamentally eliminate the etiology and achieve complete cure.
Effective treatment can control the disease.
Although it can not be cured, it can achieve good therapeutic effect through active and standardized treatment.
Medication is the key: commonly used drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, which can quickly relieve joint pain, swelling and other symptoms, improve the comfort of patients, but can not prevent the further development of the disease. Antirheumatic drugs, such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine, are responsible for delaying joint destruction. These drugs need to be taken for a long time, and the possible side effects should be paid close attention to in the course of use, and the relevant indicators should be reviewed regularly. Biological agents are emerging therapeutic drugs in recent years, which have significant effects on some refractory patients, but their prices are relatively high, and they need to strictly follow the doctor’s guidance when used.
Physical therapy can assist: such as hot compress, massage, acupuncture and other physical therapy methods, can promote local blood circulation, reduce joint pain, improve joint function. In the stable stage of the disease, rehabilitation training can also be carried out, such as stretching and range of motion training for the spine and joints, which can help to maintain the flexibility of the spine and joints, prevent spinal ankylosis and joint deformity, and further improve the quality of life of patients.
Lifestyle adjustments are important
In addition to receiving professional treatment, the patient’s own lifestyle adjustment also plays an important role in disease control. Maintain a regular schedule, ensure adequate sleep, so that the body can get a full rest. Moderate exercise, such as swimming and yoga, which have less pressure on joints, can not only enhance muscle strength, but also promote blood circulation. At the same time, we should pay attention to a balanced diet and eat more foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as lean meat, fish, vegetables and fruits.
In short, although ankylosing spondylitis can not be completely cured at present, it can effectively control the condition, alleviate symptoms and enable patients to live a relatively normal life through active treatment and lifestyle adjustment, so it can not simply be said that it is “incurable”.
