Ankylosing Spondylitis The best therapies in the overview

350,000 Germans affected by the rheumatic disease
Around 350,000 people in Germany suffer from the chronic inflammatory joint disease Bechterew's disease. First symptoms such as back pain and morning stiffness usually occur between the age of 15 and 40 years. The autoimmune rheumatic disease leads to ossification of the spine in the advanced stage due to inflammation of the small vertebral joints. Genetic factors seem to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis. For many, physicians identify a specific genetic trait that is often linked to a malfunction in the immune system. Ankylosing spondylitis is considered incurable. However, there are hardly any people today who are at an advanced stage of the disease because many therapies can relieve the disease. An overview:

Medicines - as little as possible, as much as necessary
Rheumatologists usually treat ankylosing spondylitis initially with anti-inflammatory analgesics. They improve back and joint pain. In addition come biologics, z. As TNF blockers, used to alleviate inflammation. However, medications not only improve the quality of life, but also enable physiotherapeutic measures that counteract the spinal fusion, "explains Univ.-Doz. Dr. Bertram Hölzl, scientific director of the Gastein Heilstollen, the world's largest therapy center for ankylosing spondylitis. As a result, drugs can be saved later.

Picture: Bilderzwerg - Fotolia

Therapies without medication
In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, it is important to train lifelong and continuous posture, mobility and condition in order to prevent the threatening stiffening of the spine. There are special therapies for this, such as storage on wooden wheels. Equally important is the diet. "Plentiful fresh fruits and vegetables, unsaturated vegetable fats, reduced-fat dairy products, fish and soy are counteracting the autoimmune process," adds dr. Hölzl. Meat and alcohol, on the other hand, should be reduced and smoking completely abandoned. Like other rheumatic diseases, Bechterew's disease also helps with heat and cold therapies. They relieve pain and stiffness by promoting blood circulation. This keeps the body flexible.

Cures - strengthen health awareness
Many patients do radon therapy well. Radon releases mild alpha rays in the body that stimulate cell repair mechanisms and reduce the activity of inflammatory cells and painkillers. Most effective is a combination of radon and heat. Scientific studies confirm this so-called radon heat therapy success rates between 80 and 90 percent. "It reduces pressure pain, pain intensity, functional limitations and drug consumption," Dr. Hölzl. The Radonwärmetherapie usually takes place in the context of a multi-week course.

Patients drive into the interior of a mountain, where the healthy climate naturally occurs. As part of the cure, patients also benefit from targeted health-promoting programs. "If well-trained physiotherapists and a wide variety of medical services are available, a cure can also be an impulse to change the lifestyle," adds Hölzl. Specialized patient education helps people with ankylosing spondylitis to learn how to positively control the course of their disease themselves. (Pm)