What is ankylosing spondylitis?

  Ankylosing spondylitis is a rheumatic immune disease that occurs in young adults, with low back pain and stiffness as the main symptoms, and tends to lead to deformation of the spinal joints. The common clinical manifestation of ankylosing spondylitis is recurrent chronic stiffness and pain in the joints of the lower back or lower extremities, which is not relieved by rest, but is reduced by activity. Patients often have nocturnal spinal joint pain and morning stiffness and discomfort in the low back, which in severe cases affects turning. The symptoms are recurrent and gradually lead to hunchback and reduced spinal mobility. Blood tests may reveal elevated hematocrit, C-reactive protein, and globulin, and most patients with ankylosing spondylitis test positive for the HLA-B27 gene. Radiographs may reveal blurring and narrowing of the sacroiliac joint (i.e., the junction of the spine and pelvis), or even joint destruction and fusion.  On the one hand, treatment requires patients to adhere to functional spinal exercises to prevent spinal joint adhesions and stiffness. On the other hand, it is necessary to adhere to long-term medication to control chronic inflammation and stop bone destruction. Commonly used drugs are: 1, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs: such as Cilpro, Fotarim, ibuprofen, etc. These drugs need to be taken for a long time to reduce bone destruction; 2, immunosuppressive drugs: such as methotrexate, leflunomide, salazosulfapyridine, etc. The effect of these drugs is inaccurate, with more side effects, you can try to use; 3, biological agents: these drugs can quickly and effectively control the disease, to stop the destruction of the spinal joints, less side effects, but more expensive. The side effects are less, but the price is higher, and patients should use them early if conditions allow.