Bechterew Ankylosing spondylitis, this name is worn by Bekhterev's disease. These are inflammatory changes that occur in the intervertebral joints, which cause their reduction. During this disease, the motor activity in the joints is limited, a little later the spine generally loses its mobility. In Russia, Bekhterev's disease affects about 0.3% of the population. Men are more often sick in the age of from 15 till 30 years. Women suffer 9 times less than men.

Causes of the disease

What are the causes of Bechterew's disease, specialists in orthopedics have not yet figured out. Many believe that the main cause of the development of Bechterew's disease is increased aggression of immune cells to the tissues of joints and ligaments. This disease is hereditary, usually people suffering from this disease are carriers of the antigen( HLA-B27), which adversely affects the human immune system and causes various changes.

Causes of the disease The triggering mechanism for the onset of the disease is hypothermia, or infectious diseases. Also trigger the development of the disease may be trauma to the pelvis or spine. Risk factors are hormonal disorders in the body or chronic diseases of the genitourinary system and intestines.

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Elastic intervertebral discs are normally located between the vertebrae, thanks to which the spine has the ability to move. Dense ligaments are located on the anterior, posterior and lateral surfaces of the spine. These ligaments hold the spine, that is, make it stable. Each vertebra has four processes, two below and two at the top, which are connected to the adjacent processes by moving joints.

As a result of the aggression of immune cells in Bechterew's disease in the tissues of the joints, in the ligaments and in the tissues of the intervertebral discs, an inflammatory process is formed. The elasticity of the connective cells gradually decreases and as a result the structure is replaced by a solid bone tissue. After that, the spine loses mobility.

Not only the spine but also the large joints undergo changes. Often the disease affects the structure of the joints of the lower extremities. In some cases, the inflammatory process affects the lungs, heart, kidneys and urinary tract.

Separate several forms of Ankylosing spondylitis:

  • central form when only the spine is affected;
  • rhizome form, when the spine and root joints are affected, that is, the shoulder and hip joints are affected;
  • peripheral form, the spine, knees, elbows and ankles are affected;
  • Scandinavian form, according to clinical data the disease is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, minor joints are bruised, joints are not destroyed.

Symptoms of Bechterew's disease

Symptoms of Bechterew The initial stage of the disease develops gradually. Patients feel constant weakness, irritability, drowsiness, there are pains in the joints and muscles. Patients on this special attention usually do not pay and the appointment to the doctor does not naturally go. Sometimes, precursors of the disease are persistent and almost uncontrollable eye diseases - irites, iridocyclitis and episclerites.

The main symptom of spine injury and the onset of the development of Bechterew's disease is severe pain and a feeling of stiffness in the lumbar spine. Usually the symptoms begin at night, by morning, they intensify. Reduces pain after taking a hot shower and exercise. Pain during movement during the day is almost not felt, at rest even disappears.

Then the pain progresses up the spine. Gradually, the bends of the spine are smoothed. Over time, a pronounced stoop is formed, called the kyphosis of the thoracic region. The inflammatory process in the intervertebral joints and ligaments leads to a constant tension of the back muscles.

In the last stages of the disease, the joints of the vertebrae eventually coalesce, and the intervertebral discs ossify. On the x-ray, bone bridges that form on the spine are clearly visible. The disease develops slowly over several years, alternating with periods of exacerbation and remissions.

A number of studies are being carried out for the diagnosis. First of all, X-rays are done, a blood test is performed, where an increased ESR is detected. In doubtful cases, the doctor will prescribe an analysis to identify the antigen HLA-B27.Bechterew's disease must be differentiated from degenerative diseases( DZP), that is, from osteochondrosis and spondylosis. These diseases develop, as a rule, at a more mature age. During Bekhterev's illness, the pain intensifies in the morning and at rest, and with ZAP, pain intensification is observed after physical exertion and mostly in the evening. On the X-ray image of the DZP, no specific changes are detected.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of Bechterew's disease is quite long and performed in a complex manner. It is necessary to observe all stages of treatment, only then there can be positive results. Treatment of Bechterew's disease is provided with the use of glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, immunosuppressants are prescribed.

An important role in the treatment of this disease is played by the patient's lifestyle and special physical exercises. Gymnastics for each selected individually and must be performed daily. To prevent the development of vicious postures, the pose of the proud and the pose of the petitioner. The patient should sleep on a hard bed without a pillow. Regular sports strengthen the muscles of the back, therefore treatment of Bekhterev's disease recommends swimming, walking on skis, etc. For the chest, special exercises are also necessary.

It is impossible to cure this disease completely, but if it is timely to identify the causes and treatment of Bechterew's disease, the development of the disease can be slowed down. During exacerbations the patient should undergo a course of treatment in a hospital and be constantly observed by a doctor.