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What is Bechterev's disease (ankylosing spondylitis)

What is Bechterew's disease? It is a chronic inflammatory disease, also known as ankylosing spondylitis, which primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints (the connection between the pelvis and spine), and less commonly the peripheral joints. The disease belongs to the group of rheumatic diseases and can lead to progressive stiffening and deformity of the spine, with serious consequences for the patient's quality of life.

If you suspect or suffer from chronic back pain now that you know what Bechterew's disease is, make an appointment with our rheumatology department today. Don't wait for your problems to get worse. Early treatment is the key to maintaining an active and fulfilling life. Call us, email us, or make an appointment through our online contact form.

Bechterev's disease: symptoms

What does Bechterew's disease commonly look like? The manifestations of the disease are often subtle and can easily be mistaken for ordinary back pain.

Bechterev's disease: symptoms

  • Chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis that worsens when immobile and improves when moving.
  • Morning stiffness of the spine lasting more than 30 minutes.
  • Limited mobility of the spine, especially when bending and turning.
  • Fatigue and reduced performance.
  • Eye inflammation (iritis) - pain and redness of the eye.
  • Pain and stiffness in other joints such as hip, knee or shoulder joints.

The exact trigger for Bechterew's disease is unknown, but genetics play an important role. The presence of the HLA-B27 gene may increase the risk of developing the disease. Other factors such as smoking, stress or infection can worsen the course of the disease and trigger acute inflammatory phases.

Characteristic features are sacroiliitis (inflammation of the sacroiliac joint) and enthesitis (inflammation at the site of attachment of ligaments and ligaments to the bone, most commonly in the calcaneus).

Ankylosing spondylitis: grades

Ankylosing spondylitis has several grades, which correspond to the severity of the disease. Our rheumatologist (Prague) will know best which stage you are in.

Bechterev's disease: stages

  • In the first stage, there is mild inflammation and pain in the lower back and pelvis, which is often overlooked or mistaken for common back problems.
  • The second stage is characterised by progressive spinal stiffness and impaired mobility.
  • In the third stage, vertebral fusion can occur, leading to loss of flexibility and increased risk of deformity.
  • The fourth stage represents advanced disease with significant limitation of movement, chronic pain and possible complications such as cardiac or respiratory problems.

Is Bechterew's disease fatal? Not normally. A risky complication for patients is a spinal fracture, which can be fatal. Remember that treatment and regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to slow the progression of the disease.

Bechterev's disease in women and men has several subtypes

Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to the group of spondyloarthritis. It can be divided into several subtypes:

  • Axial spondylarthritis - mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints.
  • Peripheral spondylarthritis - in addition to the spine, it also affects large joints such as the hips, knees and shoulders.
  • Enteropathic arthritis - associated with bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Have you been diagnosed with Bechterew's disease? The prognosis is very positive if detected early. The earlier you see a doctor, the better the chances of slowing its progression and reducing the risk of permanent consequences. Don't underestimate back pain - although it may seem common, it can be the first sign of a serious disease.

Morbus Bechterev: treatment of the disease

Bechterew's disease in women and men is treated very similarly and involves several approaches, from regular exercise to surgery. Although you will probably come into contact with an adult general practitioner first, treatment in this case should be handled by the rheumatologist himself. At ATODA Medical, we specialise in the comprehensive care of patients with rheumatic diseases, including Bechterew's disease. Our modern equipment, expert medical team and individual approach to patients ensure that you receive the best possible care. We work with leading specialists in rheumatology to help you diagnose and set up effective therapy.


Bechterew's disease: treatment must be tailored to each patient

  • Physiotherapy - regular exercise aimed at maintaining spinal flexibility and improving mobility.
  • Pharmacotherapy - taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, biologic medications may also be deployed.
  • Rehabilitation and exercise - movement and exercise are key to maintaining joint and spinal health.
  • Surgical treatment - in severe cases, surgery may be necessary, such as hip replacement or corrective spine surgery.


Come see us at ATODA Medical. We take the utmost care of our patients and they always come first.

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