Why is spondylitis often mistaken for normal back pain?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints and ligaments of the spine. Experts say the disease can also cause pain and swelling in other joints in the body, such as the knees, ankles, and hips, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints and ligaments of the spine.

If based only on symptoms back pain, it is very difficult to accurately diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. One of the big differences is that normal back pain is characterized by short episodes of pain, while Ankylosing spondylitis will last a long time. Some people when they get sick will go to many places to find out the disease, while others ignore it. As a result, the disease becomes more and more serious.

Another sign of ankylosing spondylitis is a feeling of stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning or after sitting or lying down for a long time without moving. However, in the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis, the symptoms are not severe, so it is difficult to detect.

The condition often develops gradually over months or even years, leading people to believe that their back pain is caused by injury, poor posture, or simply old age.

In addition, the severity and type of symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some people experience only mild discomfort, while others experience severe pain and difficulty moving. This variability makes ankylosing spondylitis difficult to diagnose, and even misdiagnosed.

In the early stages, X-rays cannot always detect abnormal changes in the joints of the spine and pelvis. More modern imaging techniques such as MRI can detect ankylosing spondylitis early. However, for mild back pain, doctors usually do not order an MRI.

Common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include pain in the hips, neck, abdomen, stiffness, difficulty moving the hips and lower back. In addition, the patient also feels tired, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, diarrhea and dermatitis.

There are many methods to help treat ankylosing spondylitis. Depending on each person's condition, the doctor will have appropriate recommendations. These methods include using corticosteroids, biologic anti-rheumatic drugs, surgery, yoga, swimming and some other sports, according to Medical News Today.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tai-sao-viem-cot-song-lai-de-bi-hieu-nham-la-dau-lung-thong-thuong-185240509122719005.htm