SPONDYLITIS

Spondylitis is defined as an inflammation of one or more vertebrae. Spondylalgia is pain referred to a vertebra. Spondyloarthritis is the inflammation of a vertebral articulation (the joint where one vertebra adjoins the next). One form of spondylitis can be caused by tuberculosis, and is called Pott's disease. This type of spondylitis causes a necrosis of the bone, which is the death of cells, surrounded by living tissue. When necrosis occurs, there are holes in the bone, weakening the bone with possible disintegration and fractures occurring spontaneously. Fortunately, this form of spondylitis is seen less frequently than the other many forms.

Most individuals are not aware of having spondylitis at the onset of the disease. They will first experience spondylitis as a backache that can be brought on by over-exertion of the back muscles and joints. There are many causes and other factors that can be attributed to triggering spondylitis, such as a sudden twist, lifting and sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Environmental factors also play a definite roll, as when the weather becomes cold and damp and the body has difficulty in acclimating to the changes.

Pains and backaches are not the normal way of life. Waking up with pains or backaches, and feeling stiff all over until you start to stretch and move about, is almost a certainty that spondylitis is the culprit. The onset can be so insidious with the episodes of aching, especially in the lumbar and sacroiliac areas, that the individual will ignore the symptoms as they improve for a while. Morning stiffness is the most prevalent symptom and easily ignored as it improves with activities.

The individual will find they have some difficulty in forward bending and feel like they have a board in their back. This is due to the spasms of the back muscles that occur at an early stage of the condition. The symptoms can generally become more progressive and spread from the low back, up to the mid and upper back, and into the neck. As time goes on, the condition can even affect other joints, such as the hips and shoulders, which can occur in approximately 50% of the cases. Less frequently the smaller joints are affected, such as the elbows and knees.

As the disease progresses, the individual can experience weight loss, fatigue, muscle stiffness and mild anemia. The heart can also be affected, causing rapid or irregular heartbeats. The longer the disease is ignored, the symptoms become more aggressive and progresses to chronic stages. The inflammatory condition will develop into "Spondylosis", a form of arthritis that causes a bony ankylosis (a welding together of 2 or more vertebrae). The arthritis causes spurs to form on the body of the vertebra. As the spurs become larger they will meet with spurs from the vertebra above or below and will grow together, thus causing the ankylosing or welding together of the 2 vertebrae. This eventually causes the 2 vertebrae to move as a unit. When this occurs in several vertebrae, the spine becomes stiff and flexibility is lost. At this stage it is called "Poker Spine". The upper back can become rounded outward and is called "Dorsal Kyphosis".

Early signs of spondylitis should alert the individual to seek attention for the condition before it develops into the chronic stages. Visiting your Chiropractor or Physician for a physical examination will confirm whether you have spondylitis or another condition. The doctor will determine this by physical examination, x-rays, blood tests, and if necessary, MRI's. The longer you wait, the more damage occurs to the spine, joints, muscles and ligaments.

The disease will generally progress for 10 to 20 years, then can partially or completely go into remission or involve the entire spine and or joints of the body. Early intervention can save the individual years of suffering. Your dedication to treatment at home can be your saving grace. There are several things you can do to help yourself to stay fit and prevent unnecessary pain. The first and foremost in you plan of treatment should be EXERCISE! Here is where your dedication will determine the results. A daily program is a must. The "Doctors Senior Exercise" program is an ideal program that will help maintain the strength of your muscles, and maintain the flexibility of your joints. This will keep you active and vigorous, so that you can remain vital and enjoy your way of life.

In addition to the exercise there are adjuncts that will help alleviate minor aches and pains that do occur. The use of a hot daily shower can help in keeping the muscles, ligaments and joints more limber. When necessary, an analgesic gel, such as "BIOFREEZE" can help alleviate the pain. It can be extremely helpful when you are active as in playing sports. In some cases the use of a back, knee, ankle, elbow, or wrist support may be of value for short periods of time or as needed, especially when at work where bending or lifting is necessary. When time permits, walk 3 times a week for about an hour each time, but the walk should be at a brisk pace. Have a good nutritional diet that is enhanced with good supplements that will help repair bone and connective tissue and also act as an Anti-Inflammatory. Having a good night's sleep is very important, giving nature the time to repair damaged tissues. There are 2 supplements that can be of tremendous value in the above pursuit. See our products section and see FACTOR FIVE: OSTEO-X and FACTOR SIX: SOMMASERENE.

In conclusion, your health will be determined by how aggressively you pursue your treatment of this debilitating disease. Ignoring the symptoms will only cause years of pain and grief. Take an active role and you can be as active as you wish to be, and enjoy life as it can be enjoyed.