Treatment of spondylarthritis: drugs, biological therapy and exercise

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker

Treatment takes place at several levels. The aim is to slow down the progression of the disease and alleviate the discomfort, i.e. to reduce inflammatory activity. The aim is also to prolong the period between remission and relapse and to shorten the time of symptoms to the shortest possible stretch.

The disease cannot be cured, but it can be treated.

First of all, it is a pharmacological treatment, under which the use of several drugs falls:

  1. NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, SpA responds well, but with concurrent inflammation of the intestine it cannot run for a long time
  2. corticosteroids - reduce inflammatory activity, can be injected directly into the joint
  3. antibiotics - used for bacterial infections, during an ongoing bacterial disease
  4. DMARDs - Disease-Modifying Antirheumatics Drugs, i.e. medicines using immunosuppressive process and biological therapy

Surgical treatment - it is used when there is a complete damage to the spine or, for example, the hip joint and a hip replacement is needed - TEP (total hip replacement).

Consequently, in addition to pharmacological treatment, a change in lifestyle is necessary. Habit changes and restriction of movement are necessary only in the acute phase. Otherwise, physical activity is important throughout life to help keep the musculoskeletal system in good condition.

It is necessary to choose appropriate physical and sporting activities, exercise, therapeutic gymnastics, etc., in the first instance under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist or trainer. Later, also independently at home. 

It is necessary to learn the correct posture. Massages, baths, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, application of cold or heat and other methods help.

In the lifestyle has its place the adjustment of eating habits, the intake of vegetables and fruits, fibre. In the case of overweight and obesity, it is necessary to reduce body weight. Dietary supplements for joint nutrition and vitamin C and D supplementation are a plus.

It is necessary to stop smoking and limit alcohol intake.

fshare on Facebook
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.
View all articles by the same author