How to recover from Spondilytis?
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How is spondylitis treated?
There is no cure for spondylitis, but discomfort can be reduced and function can often be improved. The goals of treatment are to:
Reduce pain and stiffness
Maintain a good posture
Prevent deformity
Preserve one's ability to perform normal activities
When properly treated, people with spondylitis may lead fairly normal lives. Under ideal circumstances, a team approach to treat spondylitis is desirable. Members of the treatment team typically include the patient, doctor, physical therapist and occupational therapist.
Physical and occupational therapy
Early intervention with physical and occupational therapy is important to maintain function and minimize deformity. The patient should try to maintain normal posture.
Patients with spondylitis are encouraged to sleep on a hard mattress with their back straight. Placing large pillows under the head is discouraged, since it may promote neck fusion in flexion. Similarly, propping the legs up on pillows should be avoided as it may lead to hip and/or knee fusion in a bent position. When sitting, chairs, tables and other work surfaces should be designed to avoid slumping or stooping. Armchairs are preferred over chairs without arms.
Since patients with spondylitis could easily hurt their rigid necks or backs, special care should be taken to avoid sudden impact, such as jumping, or falling.
Exercise
A program of daily exercise will help reduce stiffness, strengthen the muscles around the joints, and prevent or minimize the risk of disability. Deep breathing exercises may help keep the chest cage flexible. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for patients with spondylitis.
Medications
While a cure for spondylitis is not available, certain drugs help provide relief from pain and stiffness and allow patients to perform their exercises with minimal discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used drugs for spondylitis treatment. NSAIDs are not related to cortisone (a steroid), although both work by reducing inflammation. A variety of NSAIDs are currently available, and the choice of a particular drug should be discussed with the treating doctor.
In severe cases, other medications may be added to the treatment regimen.
Other treatments
Patients experiencing eye inflammation (red eye) should be evaluated and treated by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
Patients are urged to not smoke or chew tobacco products because of the increased risk of lung problems and reduced chest cage expansion. Certainly, all of the other reasons why doctors discourage smoking also apply to spondylitis patients. Artificial joint replacement surgery may be a treatment option for certain patients with advanced joint disease affecting the hips or knees.
Patients are encouraged to discuss coping strategies, work-related issues, sexuality and other important concerns with their health care team.
Other Answers:
Have you had a spinal fusion op yet??
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