ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS SYMPTOMor simply "AS"Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms are common to a group of arthritic diseases that can cause inflammation in the spine, peripheral joints, the eyes, the skin, the mouth and various other organs. First and foremost this disease causes pain and stiffness in the joints, particularly, though not limited to, the spine, particularly the Lumbar facet syndrome and SacroIliac joints. To muddy the waters, unfortunately lower back and buttock pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of many other low back conditions. As with many pain syndromes we find patients with AS complaining of fatigue and malaise. Whether this is primary to the disease, or secondary to the pain, is difficult to determine. As with all diseases which come in serious as well as light forms, ankylosing spondylitis symptoms may be severe, or mild and irritating rather than disabling. The pain and stiffness usually begin gradually although, in the aggressive form, the onset of Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms may be swift and remorseless. As with many lumbar conditions, to make matters worse for the diagnostician, the pain and stiffness is usually worse in the early hours. In fact, inactivity aggravates AS and it is usually worse after periods of rest. Whilst conversely, remaining active relieves the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, as it does with almost all joint conditions. FROM THE COAL FACEMr S, a 42 year old man, began developing vague symptoms of malaise and low back pain about two years ago. The pain gradually worsened, with his joints becoming stiffer, and walking became difficult. Blood tests revealed the presence of the HLA-B27 gene: Mr S was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis symptom.He consulted me for the first time about six months ago, eventually convinced by a friend who had had successful treatment at our clinic. Sitting was obviously uncomfortable and he walked in a slightly flexed, bent forwards, posture. Extension of his back was very painful. The signs (orthopaedic tests) and symptoms of a typical SacroIliac Joint anatomy syndrome were apparent: AS attacks the Hyaline Cartilage causing it to degenerate.
Despite the positive diagnosis for AS, and lack of X-rays at first, we decided to proceed with a limited period of treatment of his Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms. Persuading doctors in the Netherlands to have X-rays taken is often difficult.
Why? How is treating an HLA_B27 patient justified?HLA-B27 geneAbout 15% of people carrying this gene actually get Anklylosing Spondylitis symptoms. Some additional environmental factor, probably in the diet, is needed for persons with the gene to get the disease. Thus it's only a predisposition, and well to be remembered, that 85% of persons who are HLA-B27 carriers do not get AS.The gene is inherited obviously, but so indirectly is the diet, handed down from family to family. So families who do not know about anti-inflammatory diets are obviously more predisposed to get the disease, and this is passed onto their children. What adds to the confusion is that some people with known Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms do not have the HLA-B27 gene. So, what happened to Mr S?He responded just like any other patient to SacroIliac joint treatment, particular the use of the Thompson Drop table. the usual chiropractic management of this condition. SACROILIAC JOINT TREATMENT.Within six weeks of adjustments to his SI joints, and a vigorous rehab programme that I put every chronic low back pain patient through, he is almost painfree. True, it creaks and groans from time to time, so he comes in now once every 6 weeks on our maintainance programme, just like a chronic diabetic or high blood pressure patient would with medicine. Arthritic dietMany foods are known to have anti-arthritic properties, and so I put Mr S on a diet based on more "basic foods". Salads, fruits and vegetables. It's important if you want to avoid Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms. Think the simple things like these interesting facts about strawberries and the benefits of a fish soup and an olive garden salad recipe.CT scan of a normal SI joint
X-ray of a normal SI joint
Mr S's X-ray
Before anyone accuses me of taking poor quality chiropractic x-rays, these were eventually taken at the local hospital! Nevertheless, the pattern is clear. Mr S does indeed have AS, but withOUT Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms. BAMBOO SPINE
The future? Is Mr S going to get Bamboo spine. No one knows, but at the moment we are cautiously optimistic that if he keeps up his exercises and eats the right diet he has every chance of avoiding the nasty symptoms of this disease. Yesterday we had a consult with his wife over a change of diet, and he now comes in occasionally, but regularly, for his Chiropractic adjustments.
Along with the general dietary suggestions concerning arthritis there is considerable evidence that you can get relief by eating herbs for arthritis. Read more from Natural Arthritis Relief. Think too about how an exercise class benefits arthritis. If you really are serious, anatomy books will help you too. Herbs for arthritis. LINKSMONTHLY NEWSLETTERSubscription to our free monthly newsletter is rising in leaps and bounds. Join the party! They are light and informative. Sign up here.You will then have access to these newsletters, and more as they become available:Chiropractic Help, Issue #09 – Friday Fun: Headache Chiropractic Help, Issue #08- Spinal Stenosis/ Celery Chiropractic Help, Issue #07- Root-of-all-Healing/ Garbanzo beans /Chickpeas Chiropractic Help, Issue #06 - Safety-on-the-Stairs/ Ginger Chiropractic Help, Issue #05 - Safety-in-the-home/ Red foods Chiropractic Help, Issue #04 - Whiplash-and-the-Joints-of-Luschka/ Parsley Chiropractic Help, Issue #03 - How to stop falling/ Danger of a low fat diet Chiropractic Help, Issue #01 - Tingling in the arms and hands/ Apples Sign up here:(PS. If you find them boring, one click will de-list you.) Chiropractic_Help Backissues ... our monthly newsletter
|
