The spine is a kind of pillar that performs the function of the motor system while maintaining the support of the human body. The spine is made up of individual vertebrae that are separated by intervertebral discs. A huge number of muscles and ligaments hold the spine, while helping a person perform movements.
Arthritis of the spine
Temporary back discomfort occurs in almost every person, and the type of pain can be very diverse. But arthritis most often affects the spine. In this article we will understand what spinal arthritis is, how to recognize it and properly treat it.
What is arthritis?
The human spine consists of many small vertebrae that are connected by intervertebral discs that can support the spine, helping to perform movements. A large number of ligaments and muscles are also responsible for the proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Arthritis is caused by wear and tear of the articular cartilage due to injury, too much physical activity, or age-related changes. Arthritis is the loss of proteoglycans from cartilage tissue, the proliferation of bones and the formation of growths, which leads to constant friction of bones, causing pain and discomfort and loss of full motor activity. Arthritis can affect other joints, but is often concentrated in the knees, hips and hands.
Arthritis – inflammation of the joints
Arthritis localized in the spine provokes an inflammatory process, and often becomes a consequence of arthrosis. And arthrosis can appear against the background of incompletely cured spondylosis or osteochondrosis. Most often, such diseases occur in women and men over 45 years of age, and women are slightly more susceptible to this disease.
Spondylodiscitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
The most common disease of the spine - osteochondrosis - destroys intervertebral discs, starting from the edges, from the outside. But there is a disease that attacks cartilage tissue. Spondylodiscitis is an inflammatory disease of an infectious nature. One of the manifestations of nonspecific spondylitis leads to destruction of the colloid structure and disruption of the supporting function of the spine.
Causes
Infectious diseases of the spine occur for two reasons:
- penetration of bacteria through the circulatory system (hematogenous infection);
- post-traumatic infection (this method can include complications after spinal surgery).
- Intervertebral discs rarely suffer from inflammation caused by infection, since the cartilage tissue does not contain blood vessels. The growth of the fibrous ring is carried out by the division of unspecialized “chondroblast” cells on the surface of the hyaline layer of the endplates (thin layers between the bone tissues of the vertebrae and the cartilaginous tissues of the disc). The chondroblasts then mature and differentiate into chondrocytes. Through these same plates, fluid, glycoproteins, proteoglycans and minerals enter the fibrous ring. The dense cells of the ring tissues (chondrocytes) are laid out in the intercellular substance “matrix”, rich in fibrous collagen molecules and amorphous colloidal substance. But the nucleus pulposus consists of a colloidal solution with a high water content, which provides a nutrient medium for pathogenic bacteria, isolated from the circulatory system, through which immune cells enter the site of infiltration.
- In many cases, the reason for the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the central part of the MP disc is injury to the fibrous ring. Osteochondrosis of the second and higher stages (the occurrence of protrusions and intervertebral hernias) provides bacteria with a path for penetration through radial microcracks - ruptures of a thinned disc.
- The consequences of surgical removal of an intervertebral hernia can be as dangerous to health as an unsuccessful operation: in 34% of cases of spondylodiscitis, infection occurs with the blood flow through the tissues surrounding the site of excision of the protruding portion of the nucleus pulposus.
The causative agents of infection of the MP disc in most cases are the same pyogenic bacteria that cause the most dangerous lesions of bone tissue (osteomyelitis, tuberculosis):
- Staphylococcus aureus;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- coli;
- Staphylococcus epidermidis;
- proteas;
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis, etc.
Hematogenous infection of spinal tissue is secondary in nature, because First, the internal organs of the chest and abdominal cavities and pelvis are exposed to bacterial attack.
For information: according to statistics, the inflammatory process in the center of the MP disc occurs for an unexplained reason in every third case.
Spondylodiscitis most often affects children and adolescents (from 7-8 years to 18-20 years) during the period of active growth of the spine, as well as adults after 45-50 years of age. Like most infectious diseases of the spine, spondylodiscitis is more often detected in men (60-70%). Infectious inflammation of the MP disc can (and does) be multiple: in the case of hematogenous infection, neighboring vertebrae are affected. Most often, such lesions occur in children 8-10 years old.
Mechanism of development and symptoms
Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate into the central part of the intervertebral disc through the slightest damage to the fibrous ring or blood capillaries in the hyaline layer of the endplate, which closely touches the liquid “core”. Any violation of the integrity of the matrix can become an “open gate” for pyogenic bacteria attacking chondroblasts and chondrocytes. Proteolytic enzymes secreted by bacteria destroy the protein membrane of cells, which allows “aggressor” microorganisms to feed on decomposition products or penetrate the cytoplasm.
The inflammatory-destructive process begins with the endplates. Then the purulent melt, containing living bacteria, lymphocytes, bacteriophages, antigens, antibodies and a mixture of enzymes secreted by dead bacteria and immune cells, spreads in the denser tissues of the fibrous ring and in the thinnest place (in the center of the disc) breaks into the nucleus pulposus.
An abscess in the intervertebral space creates an embolus (bubble) with thinned walls, inside which the increased pressure of the liquid contents causes pain in the spine: the roots of the spinal nerves signal irritation created by the protruding edges of the fibrous ring (as with osteochondrosis protrusion).
A purulent mass can cause infection of the external soft tissues of the periosteum and ligaments located in the paravertebral (paravertebral) space.
Breakthrough of exudates into the spinal canal causes the formation of an epidural abscess, infection of the spinal membranes and compression of the spinal cord. Possible consequences: muscle paresis, dysfunction of internal organs, impaired motor function.
The melting of the cartilage tissue of the MP disc does not remain only within the intervertebral space: an active bactericidal attack of the immune system can damage the bone tissue of the vertebral bodies. Osteolytic enzymes secreted by certain types of pyogenic bacteria and bacteriophages destroy the surface layers of osteocytes. Erosion and demineralization of the bone tissue adjacent to the endplates begins. This may become a prerequisite for deeper infection of the vertebral bodies.
Resorption of the abscess after the cessation of the immune reaction becomes the first phase of the recovery process. Connective tissue cells replace the damaged cartilage layer, which does not restore the intervertebral disc. On the contrary, the less durable connective tissue wears out and the bone bodies of the vertebrae come into contact.
Superficially located osteoblasts (immature bone tissue cells) begin to actively divide along the edges of the vertebral body, differentiate into full-fledged osteocytes, and fill with calcium compounds. The outgrowths (“osteophytes”) grow until they adhere to the outgrowths of the adjacent vertebra and form a strong connection. The process of vertebral fusion is accompanied by blocking of the spinal nerves, which leads to paralysis and severe pain in the back and limbs.
Symptoms of secondary infectious diseases, which include spondylodiscitis, are similar in terms of the immune response:
- increase in temperature (mostly to the level of subfebrile, 37.5-38.2o);
- lack of appetite, weight loss;
- physical weakness, lethargy;
- headache.
Pain in the back and parts of the body depends on the location in the spine. As a result of pinching of the upper roots, nerve impulses from sensory receptors are blocked (the acuity of sensations is weakened to the point of numbness). Blocking of the lower roots, which transmit command impulses from the spinal cord and brain, entails a weakening of the motor functions of the limbs and disruption of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems.
Most often, the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae suffer from infectious lesions. Hematogenous infection from infected organs of the genitourinary system and lungs (tuberculosis infection) is the cause of up to 50% of all known cases of spondylodiscitis.
Inflammation of soft tissues in the paravertebral region is determined by swelling and increased blood supply to the affected area. The pain syndrome is expressed in dull nagging pain with attacks when turning and bending. Spasms of the deep muscles connecting the transverse processes distort posture and constrain the movements of the affected part of the spine. Prolonged spasms and dorsomyalgia (pain in the back muscles) lead to poor circulation, which is where muscle fiber degeneration begins.
Spondylodiscitis can occur secretly, “masquerading” as attacks of pain characteristic of osteochondrosis, nonspecific spondylitis, spondyloarthritis. All of them are characterized by radicular syndrome, severe attacks of sciatica, and thoracoalgia. In addition, infectious inflammation does not always cause an active immune response in the body: an increase in temperature of 0.5 degrees will not be considered a full-fledged symptom. The doctor will make a conclusion about the presence of infection in the spine based on tests and visiscopic studies.
Diagnostics
Examination of the soft tissues of the spine using radiography gives ambiguous results: it is not possible to clearly distinguish violations of the integrity of the disc discs. Purulent melting and the formation of abscesses can only be determined by blurring the contours of the endplates and distortion of the outlines of the vertebral bodies.
Computed tomography makes the image more visual, presenting it on the monitor screen as a three-dimensional figure, and allows you to more accurately assess the size of the abscess.
Survey spondylograms of the affected area, performed using an X-ray unit, provide visual information about the erosion of the surface layers and sclerotization of bone tissue along the edges of the vertebrae.
In the diagnosis of spinal diseases, magnetic resonance imaging (or more precisely, “nuclear magnetic resonance imaging”), which is safer and more sensitive than hard x-rays, is more popular. In the photographs, bone structures appear black, but soft tissues filled with water convey all shades of gray and white. This allows you to detect the smallest objects (nodules, infiltrations) and monitor the dynamics of abscess development.
The primary task in case of infectious inflammation is to correctly determine the type of microorganism that causes the disease. The presence of infection is determined by general and clinical blood tests:
- an increase in the number of leukocytes, an increase in the sedimentation time of erythrocytes - standard tests for the presence of an immune reaction;
- an increase in the concentration of C-reactive protein indicates an active inflammatory process;
- “Pirquet reaction”: the analysis is carried out to exclude secondary tuberculosis from the list of possible diseases (a 15% reaction gives distorted results);
A biopsy or puncture with sampling of exudate from the site of inflammation is the most effective way to obtain reliable results. Microbiological studies reveal abnormally multiplied bacteria and determine the concentration. The sown cultures are also tested for sensitivity to antibiotics.
Treatment
The treatment tactics for infectious diseases of the spine are based on conservative methods: drug therapy, gentle motor regimen (in extreme cases, immobilization, i.e. bed rest). Spondylodiscitis is treated according to the same scheme.
Initially, antibiotics are used to destroy aggressive microfauna (targeted, if the pathogen is known; broad-spectrum, if several types of pathogenic microorganisms are detected in the tests and the conclusion is controversial). During the first 2-4 weeks, medications are administered intravenously. Then, if blood tests (ESR) show positive dynamics, the patient receives less active forms of medications.
When doctors believe that the infectious attack has been suppressed, the patient is prescribed regenerative drugs (chondroprotectors) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, vitamins and immunostimulants are prescribed.
Immobilization is recommended for patients who have undergone spinal surgery or for those whose inflammation has reached a significant stage of disc destruction. The rigid cradle helps maintain immobility.
Surgical operations to remove the abscess and reconstruct the MP disc are prescribed for 25% of patients. Pumping out exudate (drainage) from the central region of the intervertebral space is the simplest operation for spondylodiscitis. Drainage of internal multi-chamber abscesses (inside the spinal canal) takes longer because it is necessary to create access through soft or bone tissue.
Laminectomies (removal of bone plates) are also performed to release the roots from under the sagging articular processes. Decompression of spinal nerves is the most important reason for performing surgery.
Discectomy (removal of a destroyed disc) and corpectomy (removal of a fragment of the vertebral body) allow you to completely clear the affected tissue. The introduction of spacer grafts (cut from bone structures taken from the ribs or iliac crest) allows the cartilage tissue to begin to recover, and titanium structures that fix the spinal column will temporarily relieve the load on the affected vertebrae. Rehabilitation takes from 3 months to six months. The prognosis for curing spondylodiscitis is always positive.
Arthritis of the spine and the causes of its formation
Primary arthritis is extremely rare; secondary arthritis is more common as a consequence of arthrosis or an untreated old injury.
Arthritis against the background of arthrosis is the most common occurrence of spinal diseases. Spondylosis also “helps” the appearance of arthritis. Spondylosis is a gradual deformation and change in the anatomical structure of the spine, which causes degeneration of the fibers of the anterior and posterior sections of the fibrous ring, causing the nucleus pulposus to protrude; neoplasms also appear in the form of growths.
Arthritis often occurs against the background of arthrosis
For a long period, the anatomical structure and height of the discs do not change, and the person does not feel any symptoms. The violation becomes obvious when arthrosis and spondyloarthrosis are added to all of the above symptoms.
Risk factors
Arthritis in most cases develops due to the presence of the following risk factors:
- age over 50 years;
- excess weight and unbearable stress on the spine (during sports, lifting heavy objects and overwork);
- spinal injuries and fractures, vertebral displacement;
- heredity (hereditary disease of joints and muscles, problems with the locomotor system in relatives);
- gender – women more often suffer from this disease;
- the presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, etc.;
- immunodeficiency;
- past infectious diseases in acute form.
Most often this disease occurs in older people
Causes of pathology
Arthrosis of the joints of the spine can be primary or secondary. Primary forms occur for no apparent reason and, according to scientists, are caused by genetic predisposition or metabolic disorders. Secondary varieties are formed against the background of infectious diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteoporosis, hormonal imbalances, osteochondrosis, gout, chondrocalcinosis and other diseases.
Factors that increase the risk of developing the disease include increased load on the lower back (heavy lifting, poor exercise technique), vibration damage, injuries, and hypothermia. Pathology also occurs in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and do not have a strong muscular frame of the back.
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis, like any other disease of the spine, has several causes of formation, therefore, can be classified into several types.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is most often localized in the neck, but there are cases of its manifestation in the lower back. In this case, pain, stiffness of movements, numbness in the back of the head, and dull pain appear. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is quite simple.
- Traumatic arthritis appears against the background of an injury and is its complication. Signs of this type can be very diverse and do not have a general clinical picture, since everything depends on the type and severity of the injury.
- Infectious arthritis is diagnosed when an infection enters the spine. More often, this occurs against the background of tuberculosis. Symptoms of infectious arthritis include fever, malaise, and migraines. The pain can sharply intensify if you physically influence the affected area, aching appears in the back, and it becomes difficult for the person to walk. Untreated arthritis of this type can provoke an epidural abscess and purulent accumulations in the spine.
- Psoriatic arthritis causes complications of psoriasis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis, or so-called ankylosing spondylitis, is an autoimmune disease with a genetic predisposition. The human spine is equipped with cells that, when confronted with an infection, mistake joint cells for “pests”, as a result of which the immune system kills its own healthy cells. The cartilage tissue dies, and bone tissue forms in its place. The spine, subject to such changes, becomes hard and immobile, like a shell, posture becomes bent, and pain appears when moving. It is almost impossible to get rid of such a disease; most often, doctors only put it into a permanent state of remission.
There are several types of arthritis depending on the causes of formation
How to recognize and treat arthrosis of the thoracic spine
The thinning of cartilage tissue leads to a decrease in the size of the intervertebral discs, causing friction when they come into contact and, as a result, deformation of the bone tissue. Adequate treatment of arthrosis directly depends on the manifestation of its symptoms.
Risk factors for the development of arthrosis of the thoracic spine
In addition to primary arthrosis, which is associated with the natural decline of the body, secondary arthrosis may also occur, the appearance of which is influenced by:
- previous trauma;
- diabetes;
- vascular diseases;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- heavy physical activity;
- metabolic disorders;
- sedentary and sedentary lifestyle;
- incorrect posture;
- rachiocampsis
; - obesity;
- dystrophy;
- psychosomatics and stress;
- congenital developmental pathologies.
Symptoms of the disease
Common signs of the disease include the following abnormalities in the functioning of the joints:
- pain;
- crunching in joints;
- deformation;
- decreased mobility.
Osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is characterized by the appearance of pain in several places at once: in the chest, heart, back and upper abdomen, sometimes pain occurs in the stomach or throat - the patient feels a “foreign object” in the respiratory tract. This is due to the fact that spasms are transmitted to adjacent organs and tissues. Painful sensations most often bother the patient in the morning, immediately after waking up, and usually subside after even a little physical activity.
Depending on the location of the affected vertebra, pain may occur on inhalation and exit, as well as when bending or turning. Also, after straining when turning, a crunching noise may be heard. The pain can be strong and sharp, and then become aching, weak and last for a long time.
Pain syndrome leads to decreased mobility in the chest area; a person has difficulty turning to the sides and bending in the back. The amplitude of chest movements during breathing becomes smaller.
Deformation of the vertebrae leads to curvature of the spinal column, which can cause the formation of a “hump.”
Treatment methods for thoracic arthrosis
Thoracic arthrosis develops slowly, so diagnosis at the initial stage of the disease is quite difficult. Patients usually attribute discomfort in the affected area of the spine to overwork and pay little attention to it.
When arthrosis becomes advanced, it is difficult to treat, since the destruction of the affected tissue is irreversible. All that can be done at the last stage of the disease is to relieve pain and stop the process of tissue destruction.
Currently, restoration of cartilage tissue is possible thanks to magnetic resonance therapy. The device accelerates the regeneration of damaged tissues, influencing cell metabolism.
Treatment methods for arthrosis are divided into 3 groups: non-drug treatment, medication and surgery.
Surgical treatment is performed only in cases where there is serious damage to the bones of the spine. Surgical procedures include operations such as joint plastic surgery, fixation of vertebrae in the correct position, removal of hernia or osteophytes.
Non-drug and drug treatment of arthrosis of the thoracic spine
Non-drug methods of treating the disease include:
- physiotherapy;
- back massage
; - manual therapy and reflexology;
- therapeutic exercises.
Physiotherapeutic procedures such as ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser, magnetic therapy and shock wave therapy are aimed at accelerating the healing and recovery process and are carried out during the period of remission. The physiotherapist draws up a treatment plan and selects a set of procedures, focusing on the clinical picture of the disease and contraindications of the patient.
Back massage relaxes muscles, eliminates pain, improves blood circulation.
Manual therapy and reflexology are aimed at relieving swelling and pain, helping to improve tissue metabolism and have a beneficial effect on the recovery process.
It is recommended to do therapeutic exercises constantly, as they maintain the general condition of the body and promote the development of muscles and ligaments.
Drug treatment consists of the use of broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory painkillers. To relax muscle spasms, muscle relaxants and novocaine blockades are used to relieve severe pain.
If there is a lack of nutrients in the body, taking vitamin supplements is indicated.
Methods for preventing thoracic arthrosis
The health and general condition of the body largely depends on the condition of the spine: both body mobility and the functioning of internal organs.
Increasingly, arthrosis is becoming a serious disease that cannot be completely cured. Therefore, in order to maintain health and the ability to be active, it is better to take care of disease prevention.
It is very important for the health of the spine to maintain correct posture. Orthopedic devices can help with this. For example, a few minutes a day in a corset will help relieve muscles and form the habit of keeping your back straight.
Fitness also allows you to take care of your vertebrae, especially for those who work a lot while sitting. Yoga or Pilates are indicated to maintain muscle and tendon tone. With a minimum of contraindications, such exercises provide maximum benefits for the spine and back.
A balanced diet rich in collagen and calcium normalizes metabolism, which also helps strengthen tissue.
In general, you should try not to lift heavy objects, as this puts strain on the thoracic spine.
When lifting and carrying heavy objects, it is better to use technical means. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr
Diagnostic measures
In cases where pain makes itself felt, you should immediately consult a doctor. The doctor is obliged to study in detail the type of illness, find out about pain and other disturbing symptoms, clarify when the pain began to bother you and how quickly it subsides, about methods of pain relief during this period and other activities carried out at home independently. It is also necessary to tell the doctor about existing chronic diseases and other health problems.
Then the doctor conducts a general examination, specifying in which area the discomfort appears, and asks to perform a series of simple movements to find out whether stiffness of movements is manifested and whether degenerative-dystrophic changes are observed in the spine.
The symptoms of arthritis are very similar to other diseases of the spine, so in order to begin its proper treatment, you must first get rid of other existing pathologies. To do this, you will need to undergo some tests.
Table No. 1. Types of diagnostics.
| Name | Description |
| General blood analysis | Helps determine the type of disease and the presence of infections. |
| Radiography. | Using radiography, you can determine the general condition of the spine and joints, determine the area of displacement and the degree of deformation of the articular cartilage. |
| Magnetic resonance imaging | Allows you to view the spine in a three-dimensional image, seeing all the ends and joints. |
| Axial computed tomography | It is prescribed to clarify the shape and length of the spinal canal and its structure. |
| Bone scan with radioactive injection | The substance is able to “attach” to bone tissue, which makes it possible to recognize the presence of arthritis. The only disadvantage of such a scan is that it does not allow one to distinguish arthritis from other spinal pathologies. Therefore, such scanning is best carried out in parallel with other studies. |
| Myelogram | A myelogram is a study of bone marrow and hematopoietic processes in the body. In this case, a dye is injected into the spine, which appears white on an x-ray. This can indicate areas of pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots and endings, spinal herniation and growths, tumors and slipped discs. |
| Contrasting discography | Indicates pathological changes in the intervertebral discs using a contrast agent injected into the disc. |
| Electrospondylography | An assessment of the overall condition of the spine can be obtained using a procedure called electrospondylography. It identifies various pathologies at an early stage of their development, if present, shows the severity of the displacement, the stage of damage to the bone tissue and helps to monitor the healing process. |
Treatment
Without proper treatment, osteoarthritis of the spine will progress, which will subsequently lead to constant severe pain.
The treatment program depends on the severity of the disease. In some cases, especially in the early stages, wearing special support bandages is indicated.
Physiotherapeutic procedures are effective: massage, acupuncture, electrical nerve stimulation, therapeutic baths, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises.
Nutritional supplements and vitamin complexes are prescribed as supportive medications. To reduce pain, analgesics, anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs, ointments and topical creams are indicated.
In case of serious damage to tissues and bones, surgery is indicated for the patient.
Types of exercises
Three types of assistive exercises have been developed for patients suffering from arthritis.
To increase range of motion. Exercises of this type should be performed regularly to normalize supporting functionality, remove spasms and increase the elasticity of joints. They include bending and rotating the body.
Strength exercises, which should also be performed regularly. They stimulate an increase in muscle mass and endurance of the body, protecting the affected joints. Before starting classes, you need to consult a doctor - he will determine the exact load.
Aerobics and endurance exercises. Aerobics for arthritis is allowed three times a week for up to half an hour. Such exercises help the cardiovascular system work better, while maintaining the recommended body weight and improving tone. Such activities include brisk walking, cycling, etc.
Gymnastics is an effective method of treating diseases of the locomotor system
Exercises for the spine at home
- Drill step (10 minutes a day).
- Exercise on the crossbar or horizontal bar every day.
- Bend forward with straight legs until your toes touch the floor.
- Lying on the bed, clasp the back of the bed with your hands and try to lift your straight legs up. Start with a minimum amount of 10 repetitions, gradually increasing the number of repetitions.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and perform twists in different directions. Straight arms should be straightened to the sides. Perform for 2-3 minutes.
- Get on all fours and slowly bend your back, first up, then down. Perform 20-30 times.
Prevention of arthritis
A healthy, strong spine is the key to the health of the entire body as a whole. Therefore, it is very important to treat arthritis correctly, without causing harm to the body along the way. Even if the disease has receded, it is worth engaging in prevention.
- Get rid of extra pounds, thereby relieving the spine from too much stress.
- Always eat healthy and balanced.
- Control your mental state and be as nervous as possible.
Smooth posture, an active lifestyle and regular exercise are a guarantee that such an illness can be avoided, because a healthy body is the main task of any person. All these measures will help in the future to avoid pain, endless trips to the doctor, and unplanned expenses. You can enjoy a full healthy life!
It is important to lead an active lifestyle and monitor your posture - then problems with the spine will not arise
It must be remembered that there is no miracle cure for arthritis. However, there are a lot of methods that can relieve pain and stiffness in the body, while allowing you to lead a normal lifestyle.
Let's sum it up
Arthritis belongs to the category of chronic diseases, and with improper treatment or advanced cases, the disease can even lead to a wheelchair. Therefore, it is so important to consult with a specialist and follow all his recommendations (lose excess weight in a timely manner, get rid of bad habits, play sports and constantly be in motion), as well as prevent both arthritis and other pathologies of the locomotor system, and deal with debilitating pain you won't have to.
Causes of spondyloarthritis
Until now, scientists cannot name the exact causes of ankylosing spondylitis.
One possible reason is hereditary predisposition. The majority of patients (about 96%) with ankylosing spondylitis are carriers of the HLA-B27 gene, which is believed to have structural similarities to certain infectious agents. As a result of the formation of cross-reacting antibodies, the body’s immune system ceases to distinguish “self” from “foreign” cells and begins to destroy the cells of its own body. This is how the autoimmune inflammatory process in the joints begins.
It has been suggested that Bechterew's disease is a psychosomatic disease, which can be triggered by the patient's mental characteristics or severe prolonged stress. Studies have shown that many patients lack psychological flexibility in solving problems, but are dissatisfied with themselves, their lives, work, family, etc.
1 Preventative massage
2 Preventive massage
3 Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis
Factors that provoke secondary spondyloarthritis are:
- inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system;
- intestinal infection (dysentery, salmonellosis, yersiniosis, etc.);
- disruption of the endocrine system;
- hypothermia of the body, etc.