Every year, on the first Saturday of May the World spondyl carrotritis day (Spain)a Chronic inflammatory disease mainly affecting spine and sacroiliac joints. This day seeks raise awareness to the population about this disease and visbilize he physical, mental and emotional impact that has in the lives of those who suffer from it.
Axial spondyl artis is characterized by being a Progressive disease that generates Inflammation in the joints that connect the Lower part of the spine with the pelvisknown as sacroily joints.
This inflammation causes Persistent pain and rigidity in areas such as lumbar area, hips and buttocks. In addition, it can be extended to other parts of the body, affecting tendons, ligaments and other joints, which aggravates mobility problems and chronic pain.
According to National Institute of Arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases and the skin of the United States (Niams)if axial spondyl artis does not receive adequate treatment, it can lead to a complication known as Anillose spondylitis (EA).
This disorder occurs when the paravertebral ligaments are They oscify and the Sacroilic joints mergerwhich severely limits the mobility of the spine. The progression of this condition can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, affecting both their physical capacity and their Emotional well -being.
The doctor Emilce SchneebergerPlant Medical of the Rheumatology and Chief Section of the Department of Teaching and Research of the Psychophysical Rehabilitation Institute of CABA (MN 84464) explained: “It is very common for this condition to be presented in young adult patients, under 45 years of age. Therefore, any patient who experiences Inflammatory Lumbar Painthat is, that worsens with rest and improves with physical activity, and that persist for more than three monthsI should consult a rheumatologist.
He World spondyl carrotritis day It seeks not only to inform about the symptoms and consequences of this disease, but also to promote an early diagnosis and adequate management to prevent serious complications such as ankylosing spondylitis.
According to Niams, “the most frequent symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are pain and rigidity In the lower back or hip. Over time, symptoms can also appear in other areas of the spine. ”
Symptoms vary from person to person and usually include:
- Persistent lumbar pain for more than 3 months;
- Pain and rigiditythat improve with activity and exercise and get worse with rest, especially night and morning rigidity that lasts 30 minutes or more;
- Pain that responds well to non -steroid anti -inflammatories (for example, ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam, etc);
- Pain, stiffness and inflammation in other joints
The world’s world -class axial arthrotritis day motto, proposed by the International Federation of Spain (ASIF), is: “The cords for ankylosing spondylitis.”
The campaign highlights the Challenges everyday to live with axial ankylosing spondylitis. Tyling the laces is just an example of a “daily challenge,” they explain in Asif, and they invite everyone to better understand and empathizewhile inspiring collective efforts to improve the awareness, support and attention of those affected.
The doctor Emilce Schneeberger said that “Early detection and proper treatment are fundamental To control the disease, stop the damage to the joints, the radiographic progression and preserve the functional capacity, thus improving the quality of life ”.
And he added: “In addition, it is important to remember that this disease is systemicwhich means that it can affect other organs and body systems. If it is not controlled properly, the inflammation persistent can increase the risk of Complications cardiovascular, which makes it even more crucial to go to a specialist for timely evaluation and management. ”
The diagnosis of axial spondylartritis experienced a remarkable improvement in recent years, reducing The average time of 7 years to identify the disease at approximately 3.5 years.
According to data provided by the rheumatology section of the Psychophysical Rehabilitation Institute, this advance is attributed to a greater awareness About the disease. This change is crucial, since An early diagnosis allows better control of disease activitydecreases the risk of serious complications and increases the effectiveness of available treatments.
Particularly, women may have greater delay in diagnosis, since there is a false belief that axial spondylartritis mainly affects men.
What factors can increase the risk of developing the disease?
- Family history.
- Genetic history: for the presence of the HLA-B27 gene. In Argentina, for example, the frequency of B27 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis was 90.4% versus only 5.2% in years controls, according to ASIF.
- Age: Most people have symptoms before 45 years.
- Sex: Men are more likely to present radiographic progression to ankylosing spondylitis.
- Other manifestations: This disease is associated with the presence of uveitis which is presented as ocular redness and vision disorders of Intestinal inflammatory disease (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis).
According to Clínica Mayo, a late diagnosis takes access to adequate treatment of the disease and significantly impacts the quality of life of patients.
According to ASIF data, the 64% of people with axial spondyl arthritis suffer from depression And 75% have difficulty finding work.
“We know that most people can experience back pain at some point in their lives, but there are certain aspects that deserve our attention. In the case of spondyl axial arthritis, back pain has inflammatory characteristics,” said Dr. Schneeberger.
And he continued: “For example, it usually affects young people and, what is important, usually gets worse when they are at rest, especially at night, hindering sleep quality. However, pain usually improves when they do exercisewhich helps relieve symptoms. It is important Recognize these characteristics To arrive at an early diagnosis and adequate treatment, ”said the expert.
The main purpose is to improve the quality of life of patients, focusing on the Effective management of symptoms and signs associated with the disease.
According to ASIF, the objectives of the treatment include: “ The symptoms; help maintain good posture, flexibility and strength y prevent disease from progressing”.
“The treatment of axial spondyl artis is performed in a way staggereddepending on the intensity of the symptoms and how each patient responds. It is very important that those who suffer from it maintain healthy habitsas a balanced diet, control your weight, quit smoking and exercise regularly, “said the doctor.
And he continued: “The first step in treatment is Non -steroid anti -inflammatories (NSAIDs)that not only help relieve pain, but also contribute to control the activity of the disease. If the symptoms do not improve, there are other therapeutic options, such as directed biological and synthetic medicineswhich can make a big difference in the prognosis of these patients. There is solid evidence that supports the effectiveness Of these treatments in relieving symptoms, reducing the activity of the disease, stopping structural damage improving the function and quality of life of those who suffer from it, ”concluded the professional.
The United States Foundation Arthritis, provided the following recommendations for those who suffer from the disease:
- Carry a healthy diet. There is no specific diet for axial ankylosing spondylitis. However, consuming anti -inflammatory foods, such as those of the Mediterranean diet, can be beneficial. Eat abundant blue fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil. Limit the consumption of red meat, sugar and processed foods.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking worsens general health and can accelerate the activity of the disease and joint damage. It can also hinder breathing. Consult with the doctor about how to quit smoking.
- Maintain a good posture. A good posture can help relieve pain and rigidity. Adjust the height of the computer monitor or desktop so that the screen is up to the eye. Support your feet firmly on the ground. Avoid remaining in tight or hunched positions. Alternate between standing and sitting, and using a pillow to support your back. Be careful with the “text message” when the use of the mobile phone is constant. Stretch.
- Stretching exercisesespecially after a hot bath or shower, they can help relieve pain and rigidity.
- Control the rhythm. In difficult days, handle activities and take short breaks throughout the day to control fatigue.
