I had back pain I consulted a doctor and has diognised as early spondylo arthritis.?

Question

Can you tell me what it is and how to avoid it any change in way of living or doing some exersises etc..

I check my total cholestrol it is 245 is this any problem..

Answer 1

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/as_lifesupport/
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which principally affects the spine, and the joints between the spine and the pelvis. The inflammation occurs at the junction between the bone and ligaments. Some erosion of bone occurs at the site of inflammation. A process of healing follows resulting in new bone formation at this site. With repeated episodes of inflammation followed by new bone formation the affected area gradually becomes immobile.
Eventually, it causes the affected vertebrae to join or fuse together. The acronym AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) is frequently used in medical literature.

The objectives of treatment are to relieve pain and modify the course of the disease. The principal concern is to limit the extent of joint damage thereby maintaining the maximum level of movement in affected joints.

Among the treatments offered are:

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help to relieve, pain and reduce inflammation in the joints.
A regular exercise programme that includes exercises to maintain good posture. It is also important that affected individuals sleep on a good mattress and have adequate back support while sitting.
Referral to a specialist will be required in more severely affected cases
In cases where there is severe pain or damage to the joints, surgery may be considered. Most people with AS do not require surgical treatment. It is not possible to prevent ankylosing spondylitis. However, early diagnosis assists in modifying the progression of the disease and limits the extent of permanent disability.

The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors. Some of them can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can't. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. Also, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk. For example, a person with a total cholesterol of 300 mg/dL has a greater risk than someone with a total cholesterol of 245 mg/dL, even though everyone with a total cholesterol greater than 240 is considered high-risk.
You need to lower your Cholesterol as this will have pro-inflammatory properties and make the back pain worse.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I've not been diagnosed with arthritis. I do think I'm starting to have some problems. Like you if I can avoid a pill, I won't take it. The pain pills work fast but I worry about long term effects. Here's some things I've tried. They help. If you smoke--stop. Pay attention to food that trigger inflammation. This is easy to google. Figure out whether you are an "ice your knee" person or a "heat pad" person. And do that. I sometimes sleep with a heating pad. I don't take medication when I do this. (I sometimes use Aleve when all else fails. Think of things you can do stay off your knees. Try a knee brace. I wear one at work if my knee bothers me. It helps hold things together. I've learned to do some kitchen chores like peeling potatoes sitting on a stool. And don't let your knees ruin your trip to Disney World. Rent a wheel chair or scooter to keep some weight off your knees. You can spend an hour at a time there standing in lines. A friend of mine (diagnosed with arthritis) swears by swimming in a heated pool. She says if she misses her swim for more than a day, she can feel it. My son suffered with his back and knee for two years after a serious auto accident (at 34 years old). He used some sort of machine that delivered tiny electric shocks to his knee and back. He uses that rarely now but says it helps when nothing else will. He put it on my knee after a two hour shopping trip. I adjusted the voltage and darned if that thing didn't do the trick. I assume that a chiropractor or physical therapist might know about this. You might also check with hospitals and clinics to see if there are any pain management classes or programs near where you live. You take care of yourself. Thirty-two is just too young to have to deal with arthritis. I hope you find some solutions.