Psoriatic spondylitis explanation: Symptoms, identification, and treatment methods for this condition.
Psoriatic spondyloarthritis (PsA) is a debilitating condition affecting more than 8 million Americans, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). This form of psoriatic arthritis primarily affects the axial joints, including the spine and sacroiliac joints.
PsA is a group of inflammatory joint problems related to psoriasis, a skin condition characterised by red, scaly patches. When the body's immune system attacks its own tissue, it leads to inflammation and painful symptoms in the joints, a process known as psoriatic spondylitis.
The long-term effects of untreated psoriatic spondylitis can be severe, resulting in chronic pain, loss of spinal flexibility, permanent spinal fusion, and joint deformities. These complications collectively cause significant disability and reduced quality of life.
Symptoms of psoriatic spondylitis include back pain, stiffness, trouble bending or moving the back, fatigue, and stiffness made worse by periods of staying still. Other associated symptoms like fatigue, skin and nail changes, and inflammation in other organs may worsen as the disease progresses.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to slow the progression of the disease and prevent long-term complications. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can help relieve symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage. Depending on the type, a person may take them as a pill or as an injection. Biologic therapy is recommended for most people who have a new diagnosis of PsA, either as an injection or an infusion.
Biologics, such as adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel), can reduce the number of flares and slow the progress of PsA by targeting specific parts of the immune system. JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib (Xeljanz), can also help lower the severity of symptoms of axial psoriatic arthritis.
However, biologics can cause side effects and increase the risk of infections and other health issues. People who cannot use biologic therapy may use alternative treatments known as oral small molecule medications.
Home remedies, such as acupuncture, massage, and an anti-inflammatory diet, may help manage psoriatic spondylitis symptoms. Exercise, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and identifying triggers can also help manage symptoms. A physical therapist can recommend specific stretches and exercises, while an occupational therapist can suggest ways to prevent joint stress and adapt the work environment to reduce pain and injury.
Quitting smoking may improve psoriatic arthritis symptoms, and stress management can help alleviate symptoms as well. Corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, can provide short-term relief when injected directly into the affected joint.
In conclusion, psoriatic spondylitis is a serious condition that requires early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent long-term joint damage and complications. By working closely with healthcare professionals and adhering to a treatment plan, individuals with psoriatic spondylitis can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
- The National Psoriasis Foundation states that psoriatic spondyloarthritis (PsA) affects more than 8 millionAmericans, making it a significant medical-condition.
- PsA is primarily an entity that affects the axial joints, including the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to chronic-diseases like pain, loss of spinal flexibility, and joint deformities.
- PsA is related to psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches, which is a result of the body's immune system attacking its own tissue.
- Early diagnosis and treatments, such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics like adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel), and JAK inhibitors like tofacitinib (Xeljanz), play a crucial role in slowing the progression of PsA.
- Biologics can target specific parts of the immune system to reduce the number of flares and the progress of PsA, but they can cause side effects and increase the risk of infections and other health issues.
- Alternative treatments for those who cannot use biologic therapy include oral small molecule medications.
- Home remedies, such as acupuncture, massage, an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and identifying triggers, can help manage psoriatic spondylitis symptoms.
- A physical therapist can help recommend specific stretches and exercises, while an occupational therapist can suggest ways to prevent joint stress and adapt the work environment to reduce pain and injury, all part of workplace-wellness.
- Quitting smoking and stress management can improve psoriatic arthritis symptoms, while corticosteroids can provide short-term relief when injected directly into the affected joint.
- Effective management of psoriatic spondylitis involves close collaboration with healthcare professionals to follow a treatment plan, focusing on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, skin-care, and therapies-and-treatments like CBD and neurological-disorders medication.
