Treatment of spondylitis (Bechterew's disease)

Spondylitis, or ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease), is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and can lead to progressive fusion of the vertebrae. As the disease advances, spinal mobility becomes increasingly restricted, and severe postural deformities may develop. Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and pain, slowing disease progression, and preserving spinal function and quality of life.

When is treatment for spondylitis required?

• Persistent lower back pain that is worse after night rest and improves with physical activity.
• Reduced mobility of the spine, especially in the cervical and lumbar regions.
• Inflammation of joints, particularly the sacroiliac joints.
• Extra-articular manifestations, such as inflammation of the eyes, heart, or lungs, which may accompany ankylosing spondylitis.
• Progressive disease with developing spinal deformities and postural abnormalities.

Treatment methods for spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis)

Conservative treatment

Medication therapy.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to control inflammatory activity and slow disease progression.
• Corticosteroids during disease flares to achieve rapid suppression of inflammation.
• Immunosuppressive agents in severe or refractory cases.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

• Therapeutic exercises aimed at strengthening spinal muscles and maintaining joint mobility.
• Massage and manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve local circulation.
• Thermal and cryotherapy procedures to alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Electrophoresis and magnetotherapy to support circulation and reduce inflammatory processes.
• Orthopedic support – use of spinal braces and lumbar supports to stabilize the spine and reduce mechanical load.

Surgical treatment

• Surgery is considered when conservative treatment is ineffective or in cases of severe spinal deformities causing functional impairment or nerve root compression.
• Surgical interventions may include decompression of neural structures, correction of deformities, or restoration of spinal alignment.
• Joint replacement surgery may be performed to restore mobility when joints are severely damaged.

Advantages of surgical treatment for ankylosing spondylitis in Belarus

• Partial or complete restoration of spinal mobility in cases of deformity or ankylosis.
• Reduction of chronic pain and prevention of complications such as nerve compression.
• Improved quality of life through enhanced spinal function and pain control.

Recovery after spondylitis treatment

• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy to restore spinal mobility and strengthen supporting musculature.
• Use of orthopedic devices (braces) to maintain proper posture and prevent progression of deformities.
• Long-term follow-up with a rheumatologist and orthopedist to monitor disease activity and prevent exacerbations.

In Belarus, treatment of spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis) is provided in modern rheumatology and orthopedic centers equipped with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Physicians apply individualized treatment strategies and evidence-based approaches to achieve disease control and preserve spinal mobility.