Spondylitis is a group of diseases affecting the spine and other joints. Some alternative names for spondylitis include ankylosing spondylitis, enteropathic arthritis and reactive arthritis. Common symptoms found are spinal and joint inflammation, ligament inflammation near joint attachments and pain. There are no specific cures for spondylitis. However, the symptoms can be managed with good posture, exercise, medication and/or surgery.
Posture
Good posture can be an effective cure for spondylitis patients with mild to moderate symptoms. As a spondylitis patient, it may take three to four weeks of reminding yourself to sit up straight, or lie flat, before you naturally maintain an erect posture.
Sit on a hard chair with armrests and your back aligned to the back of the chair. Or, you can sleep on a firm mattress. You should speak with your doctor or therapist for schedule. For instance, your health care specialist may advise you to do this twice daily for up to 10 minutes each time.
Exercise
Before you begin an exercise program, you should speak with your physician or physical therapist. She will be able to create a spondylitis exercise program which may involve improving your posture, increasing your flexibility and/or maintaining your balance. Your exercise treatment plan will be based on your current physical condition and exercise goals.
Ask your health care provider about warming-up and cooling-down exercises to minimize pain and reduce injuries. Some exercises involve stretching your arms and back muscles while breathing deeply. You may hire a certified personal trainer for three to four exercise sessions to recommend and monitor exercises limiting sudden impact such as jumping.
Medications
Drug treatment options vary based on your diagnosis. According to the American College of Rheumatology (June 2005), your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen. One short-term medication is prednisone (an oral corticosteroid), which can reduce your flares and allow you minimal pain for an exercise routine.
Anti-inflammatory drugs and oral corticosteroids are considered safe and effective. However, you should watch for possible side effects such as stomach upset, nausea and/or vomiting. Your doctor can reduce or eliminate your dosage and/or change to another medication.
Surgery
According to the Arthritis Foundation (2009), you may require joint replacement for heavily damaged joints such as your hip or shoulder. Any joint replacement should be discussed with your health care provider, including when you should have the surgery and what to expect as a result of the joint replacement.
Spinal corrective surgery may be needed when your spondylitis is severe. A detailed post-operative rehabilitation program will be suggested, including prescribed physical therapy such as hot packs and ultrasound. Additionally, follow-up visits with your doctor with help her determine whether your corrective surgery was successful.
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