Back pain is an unpleasant, and sometimes even dangerous, phenomenon. Very often this discomfort is experienced not only by the elderly, but also by fairly young people. For pain in the lower back, sacroileitis can be diagnosed. What it is? This is the name for the defeat of the sacroiliac joint and the inflammatory processes in it.
The structure of the sacroiliac joint
This joint is the junction of the human pelvis and spine. As a result of this, he experiences enormous loads, both dynamic and static. The sacroiliac joint includes the sacral bone, ilium, joint capsule and ligaments. It is this structure that provides the necessary strength and some mobility, which plays a significant role in the amortization of the shocks that occur during movement. The posterior and interosseous ligaments additionally reinforce the sacroiliac joint. It is worth noting another group of ligaments that connect the pelvis to the spine: sacro-tuberous, sacro-spinous, iliac-lumbar. They do not relate directly to the joint, however, sacroiliitis (what it is, mentioned above) often affects these ligaments.
Types of disease
Depending on the cause of the occurrence and a number of characteristic signs, these types of disease can be distinguished. The first of them is purulent sacroileitis. It is also called non-specific. Distinguish sacroiliitis with exacerbations, acute and subacute. If the infection gets directly into the joint, bilateral sacroiliitis may develop. This is a rather dangerous condition. A large amount of pus accumulates, which can enter the spinal canal or other cavities. The next type of disease is infectious-allergic sacroiliitis. What it is? Such an inflammatory process may accompany autoimmune diseases. A specific type of sacroiliitis is secondary with such diagnoses as syphilis, tuberculosis. Another group combines conditions that are of non-infectious origin.
Degrees of sacroileitis
The first stage of the disease is characterized by a weak manifestation of clinical symptoms. The pain is not pronounced, rarely there are unpleasant sensations in the lower back. Sometimes discomfort is felt in the area of the Achilles tendons. In the second stage, the pain passes to the buttocks and thighs. The mobility of the joint is somewhat limited, often there is a curvature of the lumbar zones. As a rule, these signs are characteristic of a condition such as bilateral sacroileitis. If the ilium and sacrum are significantly limited in movement, radiculitis develops, muscle cramps are observed, then we can talk about the third stage of the disease.
The main reasons for the development of sacroileitis
The inflammatory process in the joint can occur with a number of factors. The first is heavy loads. This can be observed during pregnancy, wearing heavy objects, sedentary work. Various bruises and injuries can also provoke the development of the disease. Sacroileitis also occurs in the presence of infectious diseases (tuberculosis, brucellosis). In this case, he may acquire a chronic form. Joint infections can cause other groups of bacteria. They can enter the cavity with a blood stream, and in the presence of an open wound and a fracture, microorganisms from the environment accumulate on their surface. Infection is possible from neighboring affected bones of the sacrum, pelvis. Another reason for the development of sacroileitis is the tumor process.
The clinical picture of the disease sacroileitis
Symptoms of this disease are quite multifaceted. However, the first and main of them is a sensation of pain in the lower back. It is worth noting that often unpleasant sensations are observed in peripheral joints. If you press in the area of localization of pain, it will only intensify. Also, a deterioration in the condition leads to a long stay in a standing or sitting position, with crossing and abduction of legs. There are frequent cases when the pain gives off to the buttocks and thighs. Also, sacroileitis symptoms can also have such: increased fatigue, insignificant (low-grade) temperature. There are other signs of the disease. Often, the inflammatory process affects neighboring joints and ligaments. Often the eyes also suffer. Vision noticeably worsens, fog may appear, eyes watery, become more sensitive. It is characteristic that in most cases one organ of vision is affected. You can also observe the pathology of the cardiovascular system: breathing is difficult, arrhythmia is possible. Sacroileitis rarely causes lung damage.
Infectious joint damage
The most vivid clinical picture has purulent sacroileitis. What is it and what are the main symptoms? First of all, the active inflammatory process causes acute pain in the joint. It is amplified by pressing or making any movements. Body temperature rises (up to 38 ° C). This is facilitated by bacterial cells that multiply in the sacroiliac joint. You can also observe abscesses in the buttocks. They appear due to the accumulation of pus, which can pour into the surrounding tissue. Most microorganisms also cause such signs of intoxication as headaches, excessive sweating, aching joints, chills. However, tuberculosis (and brucellosis) do not give such a vivid clinical picture: pain is not expressed, body temperature rises slightly.
How to diagnose sacroileitis
If you experience the main symptoms (pain in the lower back), you should first contact an orthopedic traumatologist. After examination, he prescribes a series of tests and directs him to an X-ray examination. With it, you can see the compaction of bone tissue, uneven and blurred contours of the joint, the presence of erosion, narrowing of the joint gap. Magnetic resonance imaging is often used. It helps to visualize foci of inflammation, see changes in the affected area. In order to find out the activity of the inflammatory process, a blood test is done. As a rule, white blood cells are increased by 2 or more times, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate also increases (second and third degree of the disease).
Sacroileitis Treatment
Therapy of this disease is aimed at eliminating the cause of the occurrence. If sacroiliitis is provoked by tuberculosis, then the underlying disease is treated. Special antibacterial drugs are prescribed that act on pathogenic microorganisms. Also, with the help of drugs, inflammatory processes and pain are removed. Exercise is extremely helpful in restoring joint mobility. The doctor can prescribe physical therapy, massage course, paraffin therapy, electrophoresis. In the presence of purulent formations, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment
This disease can affect both the spine and the sacroiliac joint. As a rule, it has a chronic course. For ankylosing spondylitis, the following symptoms are characteristic: minor pain in the spine (at an early stage), stiffness of movements after a night's sleep. Like sacroileitis of the 2nd degree, the disease over time begins to acquire more pronounced signs: pain in the buttock, thigh, down the leg. Systemic symptoms include increased fatigue, sweating, and inflammation of the iris. The exact cause of the disease has not been established. It is believed that the environmental factor plays a significant role. Ankylosing spondylitis is attributed to autoimmune diseases (that is , the human immune system attacks the tissues of its own body, which causes their defeat). Diagnosis is carried out using x-ray studies, laboratory tests, assessment of the patient's condition. Ankylosing spondylitis treatment has the following: taking anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise.