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Can you Relate to This?

You wake up in the morning only to be welcomed by unexplained pain and stiffness in your lower back.This is one of the most common symptoms of spondylitis. Other symptoms include fatigue, back pain and swelling in various parts of the body. At least 85% of people most of which are older people have spondylitis.Let’s dig a bit deeper into this condition so you know what to do if you have the symptoms.

What Exactly is Spondylitis?

Have you heard of arthritis? Arthritis is characterized by the inflammation of joints, tendons and ligaments. And spondylitis is the umbrella term for a group of such chronic arthritic diseases. There are various types of spondylitis. All of them cause the inflammation of joints, ligaments and tendons. As a result, the bones may fuse causing excessive growth of bones in the spine.

What Causes Spondylitis?

It is yet a mystery what exactly causes this condition. However, researchers have figured out different causes for different types of spondylitis. For instance, research suggests that ankylosing spondylitis may be genetic. Other possible causes may include bacterial infections. Infection in the genitals, bladder and intestine can cause reactive spondylitis. Inflammatory bowel diseases, on the other hand, may cause enteropathic arthritis.

What are the Symptoms of Spondylitis?

Swelling and redness are the two most common signs of spondylitis. These occur because of the pain and inflammation involved in this condition.

Other signs of spondylitis are:

  • Muscle pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Swelling in arms and legs
  • Back pain
  • Eye inflammation
  • Joint pain
  • Tiredness

What are the Different Types of Spondylitis?

Traditionally, there are six types of spondylitis, such as:

01

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Definition: It is a chronic joint inflammation that causes stiffness in joints and limited spinal movement.

Symptoms

  • Back pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Fatigue

02

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

Definition: It is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects joints and is associated with an inflammatory skin condition psoriasis.

Symptoms

  • Eye redness
  • Swelling in fingers and toes
  • Fatigue
  • Pitting of nail beds and other changes in nails
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Limited mobility

03

Juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA)

Definition: This affects the areas where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone.

Symptoms

  • Joint pain and tenderness
  • Bowel inflammation

04

Reactive arthritis (ReA)

Definition: This is an amalgamation of three inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis.

Symptoms

  • Pain and swelling in joints
  • Inflammation in the genital and bladder
  • Eye inflammation

05

Enteropathic arthritis (EnA)

Definition: This chronic inflammatory arthritis affects the spine, arms and legs.

Symptoms

  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Joint pain and swelling

06

Undifferentiated spondyloarthritis (USpA)

Definition: Doctors conclude this condition when the patient’s symptoms do not fall in a specific hematoid disorder.

Symptoms

  • Pain in the heels
  • Joint pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Swelling in feet and hands
  • Eye inflammation
  • Diarrhea
  • Inflammation of intestines

-Ankylosing spondylitis is the most common type of spondylitis among adults. Physiotherapy plays an integral role in treating this condition. Let’s check out how.

Impact of Our therapist on Ankylosing Spondylitis in Abbotsford

It is possible to stay active even if you have AS. The solution is to get consistent physiotherapy sessions. Physiotherapy focuses on improving your flexibility and posture. The physiotherapist prescribes a treatment plan that reduces joint stiffness and pain.

Here’s how physiotherapy helps you manage ankylosing spondylitis:

Book your consultation now to get a step closer to good health and wellbeing