Due to joint pathologies, many elderly people suffer. In some cases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system are found in young and middle age. Most often, articular pathologies are associated with obesity, malnutrition, constant load on the spine and limbs. Nevertheless, there are also such ailments that are caused by heredity, that is, are transmitted at the genetic level. Ankylosing spondylitis is considered one of these pathologies . This disease affects not only the joint tissue, but also the bone system of the spine. As a result, movements become restricted. In severe cases, a person cannot walk at all. In order not to bring to such a condition, exercise therapy is recommended for ankylosing spondylitis. A properly selected set of exercises and diet reduce the risk of progression of the pathology several times.
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Unlike common pathologies of joints and bones (arthrosis, osteochondrosis), ankylosing spondylitis develops in adolescence and young adulthood. Often, the disease occurs in men, nevertheless, it is also among the female population. Another name for the pathology is ankylosing spondylitis. This term refers to an inflammatory reaction in the spinal discs and joints. As a result of chronic damage to the tissues of the spine, ankyloses occur. This means that neighboring bones seem to “grow together” with each other. Often these phenomena occur between the vertebrae. As a result, the patient cannot move normally. In order to avoid this or at least suspend the process, physiotherapy exercises for ankylosing spondylitis are prescribed. It helps maintain mobility for as long as possible.
Causes and prevalence of pathology
This disease refers to systemic pathologies that affect connective tissue. Cartilage formations located between the vertebrae undergo the most destruction. At the moment, the etiology of ankylosing spondylitis is not fully open. Nevertheless, scientists involved in rheumatology and immunology have found that pathology is more common in people with the HLA-B27 gene. His carriage is inherited. People who have this gene in their DNA get sick much more often. Nevertheless, the absence of a burdened hereditary history does not at all guarantee that pathology cannot develop.
Naturally, physical education classes will not be able to lead to a complete cure and rearrangement of the genome. Nevertheless, exercise therapy helps to strengthen not only the musculoskeletal system, but also the entire body. Exercise improves blood circulation and immune defense. Therefore, exercise therapy reduces the risk of predisposing factors (stress, infection).
Ankylosing spondylitis in women: symptoms of pathology
The first signs of pathology are pain in the lumbar region, with an extension of the back. They are due to the fact that at the beginning of the disease, the sacral and iliac joints are affected. Then there is a spread throughout the spine. In some cases, other joints are affected. Most often these are knee and ankle joints. Another symptom of this pathology is the defeat of the Achilles tendon. This is manifested by edema and tenderness of the plantar surface, a change in its shape, and the formation of a heel spur. Sometimes these symptoms occur in the first place.
Another clinical manifestation is sciatica. Patients complain that the cervical spine and limbs are “shooting”. This occurs due to inflammation of the nerve roots. Such symptoms are usually disturbing at night (from 3 to 5 in the morning). In addition, the body temperature rises in patients, the organs of vision become inflamed (sensation of sand in the eyes), weight loss is observed. This clinical picture is common among the male population. Ankylosing spondylitis in women is much easier . Symptoms are not so pronounced, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time stop unpleasant sensations in the joints.
Exercise therapy for ankylosing spondylitis
Exercises are performed in a lying position, sitting and standing. Exercise therapy for ankylosing spondylitis is prescribed to all patients, regardless of gender and age. In a sitting position, the following exercises are performed:
- Shoulder joint development. Hands should be parallel to the body. The shoulder joint should be alternately "twisted" inward (to the body) and outward. This exercise must be repeated up to 10 times.
- Put palms on the elbow joint of the opposite hand. Raise them above your head. Make tilts to the left, and then to the right. On each side is supposed to perform 5 exercises.
- Wrap your arms around your knees. Reach for them with the whole body (body). Then you need to straighten the spine and spread your arms to the side. This exercise helps strengthen your back muscles.
Exercise for ankylosing spondylitis is necessary in order to prevent bone fusion. When performing movements in the joints, the development of ankylosis does not occur.
Ankylosing spondylitis: treatment
There is no specific treatment for this pathology. For a long time, the patient uses NSAIDs, which help get rid of discomfort. This group includes drugs "Diclofenac", "Artoxan", "Indomethacin". Gymnastics in ankylosing spondylitis is also important. It helps maintain spinal mobility for a long time. In the supine position, the following exercises are performed:
- You need to be on a flat hard surface. Bend your legs at the knees, hands should lie along the body. For proper execution, you need to alternately breed the ankle joints. In this case, you should try not to move your knees much.
- Raise your head without lifting the shoulder joints off the floor. Socks need to be pulled over and look at them. This exercise to perform 8-10 times.
Why is exercise therapy prescribed for ankylosing spondylitis?
In order for the patient to retain the ability to move for a long time, physiotherapy exercises are necessary. Exercise therapy for ankylosing spondylitis helps to develop affected joints. No matter how impaired their function, exercises must be performed daily. Physical therapy helps with osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar. It also aims to prevent inflammation in other joints. With constant exercise, the disease rarely progresses. Despite the fact that a special treatment for this ailment has not yet been developed, physical education significantly improves the prognosis.
Proper nutrition for ankylosing spondylitis
A diet for ankylosing spondylitis is needed to strengthen joint tissue. It should also be aimed at avoiding obesity. Indeed, overweight only exacerbates the pathology. The nutrition of the patient should be balanced. It is necessary to include in the diet products containing trace elements and vitamins. It is recommended to eat as many vegetables as possible. This is especially true for carrots, cabbage and beets. From the diet you need to exclude fatty meat, mayonnaise. If possible, season with olive or linseed oil. It is also necessary to reduce salt intake. It is recommended to eat greens, dried fruits and nuts. Food should be steamed or cooked.
What exercises should be performed for ankylosing spondylitis?
A set of exercises for ankylosing spondylitis is aimed at strengthening muscles, developing joints, restoring coordination of movements. It is recommended to do c- and extensor movements of the head, lower back. Also in the supine position, joints of the upper and lower extremities are developed. To do this, fingers need to be squeezed. Then take a deep breath. After that, the fingers must be unclenched. Exercise should not be accompanied by pain. Charging is best done in the morning, as patients do not feel well after waking up (due to a long stay in one position). Also, patients are shown massage and swimming.