Ankylosing spondylitis

In Gastein, people know how to treat this disease. Every year, thousands of patients rely on the effects of the Gastein cure, because here you will find the world's largest therapy center for the treatment of Bekhterev's disease. In Gastein, people are particularly well versed in the treatment of this chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease - the world's largest center for the treatment of Bekhterev's disease is located here.

"It began insidiously. At first, it was just a mild pain in the lower back, which slowly but steadily increased in intensity until it suddenly radiated to the buttocks and thighs. That was the first time," says Wolfgang Sennhuber, explaining that he was worried it might be something more serious. Especially in the morning and after a longer rest, it hurt in the back. At night, the pain was sometimes so severe that it prevented Wolfgang Sennhuber from sleeping. And suddenly the pain subsided again, was less severe. Like a phantom, the back pain faded, only to return weeks later with full force.

After being diagnosed with Bekhterev's disease, Wolfgang Sennhuber also decided to undergo radon therapy in Gastein - just like around 25 ,000 other sufferers every year. The pain did not disappear overnight, says Wolfgang Sennhuber. But already after the first treatments - a radon tub bath and a rest period in the Gastein Heilstollen - he noticed the first changes. The pain was no longer so sharp, no longer so strong. And then they became a little weaker from day to day. Then the self-healing powers took over, the body helped itself. Today, Wolfgang Sennhuber is largely pain-free. As soon as his back starts to hurt again, he comes to Gastein. And thus helps his body to help itself.

Similar to rheumatism, the disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, but it predominantly affects the spine or the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliac joints). Only since the 19th century has ankylosing spondylitis been considered an independent disease with defined characteristics - thanks to the description of a Russian neurologist, Vladimir von Bechterew. It took so long to classify the disease because ankylosing spondylitis does not have the one distinctive feature.

As soon as ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed, it is important to act quickly. This gives sufferers the best chance of avoiding permanent damage.

A typical feature of ankylosing spondylitis is the gradual onset of pain in the lower back. This often worsens when lying down, and only movement leads to improvement. In addition to the back pain, the increasing stiffness of the spine is characteristic of the disease. The exact disease process and symptoms are best clarified directly with your doctor.

For more information about the warning signs of ankylosing spondylitis, click here.