Ankylosing Spondylitis - Low level laser Lakeside Laser

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints, it is also a systemic disease meaning that it can affect tissues throughout the body, not just the spine.

Ankyloses means to fuse and spondylitis means an inflammation of the spine, overtime this inflammation leads to fusion of the vertebrae in the spine and causes loss of mobility.

Furthermore, this fusion causes the spine to lose flexibility therefore causing stiffness and can result in a hunched-forward posture. AS - Ankylosing spondylitis is three times more common in men than in women and it can affect all age groups, including children which is referred to as juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, however the signs and symptoms usually begin in early adulthood. Although the spine and sacroiliac joints are the most commonly affected joints, inflammation can occur in other parts of the body, most frequently, the eyes.

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, however treatments can lessen your symptoms and possibly slow progression of the disease.

Treatment

The goal of treatment for Ankylosing spondylitis is to ease pain and stiffness. Unfortunately there is no cure for AS- Ankylosing spondylitis, however with appropriate care you can prevent or delay complications and spinal deformity.

• Medication: painkillers (analgesics) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are usually the first choice of treatment for AS symptoms, they can relieve your inflammation, pain and stiffness. All drugs may have some side-effects so speak to your doctor to clarify precautions and reduce risk of these.
• Physical therapy is an important part of treatment and can provide a number of benefits, from pain relief to improved strength and flexibility to delay symptoms and progression of the condition. Range-of-motion and stretching exercises can increase your muscle strength and help maintain mobility in your spine and other joints. Furthermore, postural and breathing exercises can be prescribed to keep the joints flexible. A qualified health care professional can design specific exercises for your needs.
• Surgery: Most people with AS Ankylosing spondylitis will not need surgery. However, if you have severe debilitating pain or joint damage your doctor may recommend surgery as an option.

  

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Therapy provides pain relief by reducing the firing of nociceptors and modulate the inflammatory response. The inhibitory protocol is used to further inhibit nociception and associated myospasm.

The stimulatory protocol is used to produce improved microcirculation, modulate inflammatory response and therefore generate strong and uniform repair tissue.

Lakeside Laser is located in Gnangara, central to Perth’s Northern suburbs. We have visitors from a wide range of suburbs including: Landsdale, Wangara, Wanneroo, Kinross, Ocean Reef, Kallaroo, Craigie, Heathridge, Woodvale and Pearsall. Please feel free to contact one of our laser technicians on 0468 429 111 to discuss treatment options or to book an appointment.