2024-01-22 09:29:51
by Carlo Selmi
In some cases, back pain appears at a young age, has a continuous trend over time and worsens with rest, associated with stiffness of the spine upon awakening: it may be a symptom of spondyloarthritis
I am 45 years old and for over 10 years I have been suffering from annoying back pain that wakes me up in the morning, before the alarm goes off, and which I treat with common anti-inflammatories. I have had numerous visits and MRIs, with inconclusive results. What could my problem be and how is it treated?
Carlo Selmi, head of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Institute, Milan responds (GO TO THE FORUM)
Back pain is a very common symptom that affects most Italians at least once a year; often localized in the cervical and lumbosacral regions of the spine. In over 90% of cases the pain has mechanical characteristics, i.e. it worsens with movement or standing and improves with rest, therefore having a greater intensity in the evening than in the morning. These cases tend to resolve spontaneously after a few days or a few weeks of use of anti-inflammatories or painkillers, and then recur after a period of relative well-being. The cause is difficult to identify, as muscular mechanisms coexist alongside degenerative phenomena of the spine and intervertebral discs, typically after the age of 50.
Symptom of spondyloarthritis
In a minority of cases, however, back pain has different characteristics because it arises at a young age, has a continuous trend over time and above all worsens with rest, associated with a stiffness of the spine upon awakening lasting even a few hours. This type of back pain is defined as inflammatory and can be the presenting symptom of spondyloarthritis, which is a family of chronic rheumatological diseases which, unlike the more well-known rheumatoid arthritis, can also affect the spine, with inflammatory phenomena. In addition to the characteristics of the symptom, the possible presence of signs such as inflammation of some parts of the eye (uveitis), of the joints (arthritis), of the ligament insertions (enthesitis) or of the skin (psoriasis) must be investigated.
The HLA-B27 gene test
In some cases it is indicated to evaluate with a blood test the presence of a gene called HLA-B27 which, although not diagnostic, is present in the majority of people with spondyloarthritis. Rapid recognition of the disease is also based on performing an x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging, especially of the pelvis, as the sacroiliac joints are often the most affected point of the spine. Today there are innovative therapies that allow excellent control of inflammation and pain, preventing spinal deformities that were observed more frequently in the past.
Corriere della Sera also on Whatsapp. sufficient click here to subscribe to the channel and always be updated.
January 22, 2024 (modified January 22, 2024 | 08:29)
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
#therapies #time.news