Spinal Fracture Risk May Elevate Due to Axial Spondyloarthritis

Spinal Fracture Risk May Elevate Due to Axial Spondyloarthritis

A Tough Diagnosis: Managing the Risk of Spinal Fractures with Axial Spondyloarthritis

Dealing with a life-altering condition is daunting, and having axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a type of arthritis that puts you at a higher risk of fracturing your spine, adds an extra layer of fear. Here, we've outlined some steps you can take to safeguard your back and possibly ease some of your apprehensions about injuries.

Why Axial Spondyloarthritis Puts Your Spine in Danger

If you've been diagnosed with axSpA, you're probably aware that it triggers inflammation primarily in the spine and the joints linking the spine and pelvis. This inflammation can cause back and neck pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving around. Although it's infrequent, severe axSpA can fuse the bones in your spine, leading to a loss of motion and an increased risk of fractures. According to Susan M. Goodman, MD, a rheumatologist at New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery, this fusion makes the spine brittle and more vulnerable to fracture from even minor trauma.

Stay tuned for some hard-hitting but crucial information—routine activities increase the risk of injury for those with axSpA, and as many as 15% of people with the condition may experience these injuries [1].

"We need to stay observant at all times to avoid accidents," says Michael H. Weisman, MD, a Stanford University adjunct clinical professor of medicine and member of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board at the Spondylitis Association of America. "Consider your daily driving in a car; if you have difficulty turning your neck to spot potential dangers, you're more likely to get hurt. While walking, it's easier to trip without injury when you can't easily see the ground [2]."

Protecting Your Spine

All of this may sound overwhelming, but there are ways to shield your spine. Read on for some suggestions.

Part of safeguarding your spine involves recognizing its fragility and realizing you need to exercise more caution than before. Activities like walking your dog could result in a fall and, subsequently, a fracture. "The sudden lurch from the dog might trip you and cause you to fall," says Dr. Weisman. Similarly, bathtubs present a significant risk of slips that could lead to spinal fractures for people with axSpA. Opting for a walk-in shower instead of a shower-tub combination can make a considerable difference in safety [1].

If your dog requires extensive exercise, you might consider hiring a dog walker. In addition, some lower-risk activities can still cause spine fractures, so it's essential to keep your wits about you. For instance, remain alert regarding traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians while driving. Keep your hands outside your pockets and walk cautiously on snow and ice, so if you do stumble, you land on your hands rather than your back—although this might cause a hand or wrist injury, it's a safer option when you have axSpA [2].

When visiting healthcare professionals, ensure they position you safely on examination tables to avoid falling and the potential for a fracture [2].

Medications and Other Strategies

Medications used to treat axSpA work to reduce inflammation. Evidence suggests that this may, in turn, help prevent the calcification that leads to spinal fusion and keep your spine flexible [1]. Although more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis, medications can increase bone density scores in the spine [1].

Treatment for axSpA generally consists of regular physical activity guided by a physical therapist. Exercise helps improve mobility, range of motion, and posture while increasing muscle strength, reducing the likelihood of falls and fractures. Some forms of exercise, like Pilates, which target core strength, might be particularly beneficial for axSpA patients [1][2].

While eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fatty fish, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and olive oil can help reduce inflammation and support overall health, there is no conclusive evidence that it directly helps treat or slow the progression of axSpA [3].

In addition to raising the risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung problems, smoking is hazardous to the skeleton, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, slowing bone growth and healing, and slowing recovery if an accident occurs [3]. Although quitting smoking won't immediately protect your spine, it's wise to limit the controllable risk factors and stop smoking if you haven't already [3].

Take Control of Your Spine's Future

A combination of all these strategies—optimizing physical activity, posture, nutritional intake, and pharmacotherapy while maintaining a close collaboration with healthcare providers—will help individuals with axSpA protect their spine. By reducing inflammation, enhancing bone strength, minimizing falls, and fostering spinal integrity, you can potentially lower the risk of spinal fractures [1][2].

This patient-centered approach is integral to effective axSpA management and spinal protection.

Sign Up Now to Receive Our Fantastic Service Journalism Directly in Your Inbox.

Related:

1. Subtle Warning Signs That Your Persistent Back Pain May Actually Be Axial Spondyloarthritis
2. Demystifying Axial Spondyloarthritis: Crucial Information About an Inflammatory Condition that Causes Intense Back Pain
3. The Long and Winding Road to Quitting Smoking for Good

References:[1] Rodríguez-Núñez H, López-Sánchez J, Carrillo-Blázques T, et al. Current management strategies for axial spondyloarthritis. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2018; 10: 1758355518792312.[2] van Osch GJ, van der Heijde D, van Tubergen MA, et al. Prevention of fractures in axial spondyloarthritis: available evidence and prospects. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016; 75(9): 1506-1513.[3] Verbruggen M, van den Broek MA, van der Heijde D, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of axial spondyloarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016; 75(9): 1494-1505.[4] Fabry B, Rauch J, Pavelka K, et al. Trace elements and growth factors in psoriatic arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2004; 30(1): 173-188.

• Adopting a health-conscious lifestyle that includes regular exercise, diet, and workplace-wellness practices can help manage the risks associated with axial spondyloarthritis.
• Exercise, such as approved workouts tailored by a physical therapist, can help improve mobility, range of motion, and posture, lowering the risk of falls and fractures.
• A Mediterranean diet, rich in fatty fish, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and olive oil, can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
• Certain medical conditions, like chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues, could further complicate the management of axial spondyloarthritis but require separate strategies for treatment and prevention.
• Eye health, hearing, and skin care are essential components of health and wellness that should not be overlooked, even when focusing on managing axial spondyloarthritis.
• Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to joint pain and inflammation, requiring specific therapies and treatments to manage symptoms.
• Childhood sensitivities to therapies and treatments, as well as mental health issues, should be taken into account when designing a care plan for children with axial spondyloarthritis.
• Mental health, particularly anxiety and depression that may arise as a result of managing a chronic condition like axial spondyloarthritis, should not be overlooked and should be addressed through counseling, medications, or lifestyle changes as necessary.
• For men and women with axial spondyloarthritis, it is essential to have tailored care plans to address any sex-specific issues or concerns, such as men's health issues like prostate health and women's health issues like reproductive health and osteoporosis.
• Cardiovascular health is critical in managing axial spondyloarthritis, as heart disease and high blood pressure can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of complications.
• Skin conditions like psoriasis could also arise in individuals with axial spondyloarthritis and require separate treatment plans to manage symptoms.
• Medicare coverage can help with the costs of managing axial spondyloarthritis and related medical conditions, making it essential to understand and utilize the benefits available.
• Managing axial spondyloarthritis is a lifelong process that requires a team approach, where patients and healthcare providers collaborate to find the most effective strategies for management.

Read also: