Diagnosis and Treatment of Spondylitis
When it comes to diagnosing spondylitis, doctors typically rely on a physical examination. In addition, they gather a comprehensive health history and may request blood tests or imaging scans to confirm the presence and severity of the disease while ruling out other potential causes. Treatment for spondylitis involves a combination of medication and physical therapy, tailored to address the specific type of spondylitis. For instance, in cases of psoriatic arthritis, treatment focuses not only on the joint inflammation but also on managing any accompanying psoriatic skin patches. Similarly, reactive spondylitis treatment involves targeting the underlying infection in order to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
Initial Guidelines
In 2015, the American College of Rheumatology laid down the initial guidelines for managing spondylisis. These guidelines primarily focus on the appropriate usage of NSAIDs, specifying situations where they should or should not be employed, as well as outlining indications and contraindications for systemic glucocorticoids. Additionally, physical therapy is widely recommended as a treatment option, while total hip replacements are endorsed for cases with advanced hip arthritis.