Spondylitis Treatment in Singapore
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What is Spondylitis?
Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and is characterised by pain, rigidity, and discomfort. The vertebrae, the bones that form the spine, become inflamed, leading to new bone growths that eventually fuse parts of the spine. This fusion can reduce mobility and chronic pain as the spine's flexibility is reduced.
The most common form of spondylitis is ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which predominantly affects the lower back and the sacroiliac joints, where the spine and pelvis connect.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Spondylitis should be treated quickly to prevent spinal fusion, joint injury, and abnormalities. Early treatment improves quality of life, maintains mobility, and reduces pain. It also slows the progression of the disease, increases the effectiveness of treatment, and reduces the risk of complications in other organs. Thus, early treatment can maintain function, prevent permanent disability, and improve long-term outcomes.
What are the Common Symptoms of Spondylitis?
The lower back and pelvis are common chronic pain sites, primarily upon waking or following rest periods.
- Stiffness: The stiffness may decrease with activity, such as stretching or exercise, especially in the lower back, hips, and spine.
- Less flexibility: The spine can't bend or twist because of stiffness.
- Fatigue: A common symptom of inflammatory diseases is being particularly tired or lacking in energy.
- Postural Changes: Kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine that can develop over time and affect posture.
- Spine Tenderness: Pain or tenderness when certain spine areas are affected.
Causes and Risk Factors of Spondylitis
Causes
- Although the cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not established, there is a genetic component. People with the gene HLA-B27 are significantly more likely to develop the condition, but only a tiny percentage of those with the gene do so.
Risk Factors
The following are the significant risk factors for spondylitis:
- Age: It usually starts manifesting around the age of forty.
- Genetics: A family history of spinal problems increases the risk.
- Gender: Women may have worse symptoms later in life, whereas men are more likely to have it earlier.
- Repetitive Stress: Workplaces or activities that require twisting or heavy lifting might hasten the deterioration of the spine.
- Poor Posture: Wrong sitting posture or slouching might elevate spinal deterioration.
- Obesity: Extra weight strains the spine.
- Prior Spine Injuries: Prior injuries may elevate the risk of degeneration.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Not exercising weakens muscles and puts more strain on the spine.
- Smoking accelerates disc degeneration by lowering the blood supply to the spine.
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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Spondylitis in Singapore
In Singapore, the latest breakthroughs in spondylitis treatment focus on detecting the disease early, tailoring therapies, and incorporating integrative care. Researchers are dedicated to unravelling the complexities of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and improving how it is diagnosed. Interestingly, some studies are investigating the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including techniques like manual and electroacupuncture, as supportive options for patients who haven’t had much luck with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, for patients who continue to experience active disease despite conventional treatments, biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors, are being suggested.
Spondylitis Prevention Tips
The following valuable tips can help prevent spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS):
- Maintain Good Posture: Adopt good posture to reduce joint and spine strain.
- Keep Moving: Regular exercise, including strengthening and stretching, can help increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Control Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight range eases the strain on your spine.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of spinal problems and worsens symptoms.
- Ergonomics: Spinal strain happens during day-to-day activities, so utilise an ergonomic workstation and furniture.
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Seek medical attention immediately to control inflammation and halt its progression if symptoms are experienced.
Treatment options for Spondylitis
Spinal Fusion: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is commonly treated through spinal fusion, a surgical procedure during this condition when it has progressed to severe pain in the spine, deformation or injury.
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Osteotomy: An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the realignment and cutting of bones to correct abnormalities caused by conditions such as spondylitis.
- Clinical assessment:
- Physical Examination: A medical professional will evaluate posture, pain thresholds, spinal flexibility, and joint mobility. They could also run some tests to look for stiffness or inflammation in the joints and spine.
- Blood tests that determine inflammation, which may be elevated in spondylitis, include the C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR).
- HLA-B27 Test: A blood test to check for the presence of the HLA-B27 gene. This gene is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis, although not all patients with ankylosing spondylitis have it.
- Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: Ankylosing spondylitis can be detected through X-rays of the spine and pelvis, which reveal early signs of bone abnormalities, vertebral fusion, or joint inflammation.
- MRI: Before such severe damage occurs, MRI is more sensitive than X-rays to detect early inflammation, especially in the spine and sacroiliac joints.
- CT: A CT scan can provide more detailed information regarding the spine and joints of the patient, particularly in specific conditions, such as when looking for structural damage.
Our MediRehab facilities, part of MediGence, offer physical therapy services for international patients. We also have convenient teleconsultation options so that patients all over the globe can receive expert treatment remotely. A few services such as:
- Physical Therapy
- Stretchingexercises can help relieve stiffness and increase spinal flexibility. Focus on your shoulders, hips, and lower back.
- Exercises for Strengthening the Core: By strengthening the core muscles, you may improve posture, lessen joint stress, and support your spine.
- Posture Training: Pain management and prevention of more spinal deformities can be achieved by education on proper posture.
- Joint mobilisation: Methods to increase the afflicted joints' range of motion to lessen stiffness and pain.
- Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.
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Hospitals for Spondylitis in Singapore
Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Gleneagles Hospital, located on Napier Road in Singapore, is a leading private healthcare institution offering comprehensive medical services and advanced clinical care. With 221 beds and a strong team of medical specialists, the hospital holds the Singapore Quality Class certification for excellence in healthcare. Its state-of-the-art facilities include ICU, HDU, NICU, Urgent Care Centre, operating theatres, radiology, endoscopy, laboratories, and rehabilitation units. Gleneagles specializes in orthopaedics, oncology, women’s health, and gastroenterology, offering tailored programs for cancer, bone, and gut health. With modern maternity packages and patient-friendly rooms, the hospital ensures compassionate, high-quality care focused on safety, comfort, and recovery.
Farrer Park Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Farrer Park Hospital located in Connexion, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- A medical centre is linked to the Farrer Park Hospital Complex, Connexion, Singapore
- The focus of the hospital is to bring together two essential elements: those of healthcare combined with hospitality.
- There is a building with 20 different stories which comprises Owen Link, hotel and spa.
- Personal attention and patient care focus is maintained with a system in place of listening, analysing, evaluating and then implementing a treatment plan.
- 121 bed capacity
- Technology and innovations help provide the best of medical and surgical treatment options.
- Professionally implemented international patient care systems
- Suites: Cardiovascular, day surgery, endoscopy, major surgery, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and inpatient suite
- Diagnostic imaging and intensive care unit
- 24 hour emergency clinic and pharmacy
- Facilities such as dialysis, nutrition services, rehab centre, and teaching clinic
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Why Choose Singapore for Spondylitis Treatment?
Singapore's advanced healthcare infrastructure, highly trained medical staff, and state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal destination to treat spondylitis. To ensure patients receive the best outcomes, the country offers cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, effective treatment options, and a focus on personalised care. Singapore offers comprehensive care for patients with spondylitis and is gaining recognition for its excellent orthopaedic and rheumatological treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine to the pelvis. Chronic inflammation can result in pain, stiffness, and, in some cases, the fusion of spinal vertebrae, which reduces movement.
Spondylitis, more specifically ankylosing spondylitis, can be a hereditary disease. A family history of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may increase the likelihood of developing it, and it is closely associated with the illness caused by the HLA-B27 gene. Nevertheless, environmental factors may also play a role, and not everyone bearing this gene will develop spondylitis.
Spondylitis patients in Singapore may undergo surgery, especially if they have severe spinal deformities or debilitating pain. Exceptional care hospitals employ highly trained orthopaedic specialists to perform spinal fusion, joint replacement, or corrective surgery procedures.
In extreme cases, joint damage or abnormalities may need surgical intervention, like spinal fusion.
Here are some tips to manage spondylitis pain:
Corticosteroids, biologics, or NSAIDs can be used to decrease pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Regular stretching, posture training, and strengthening exercises to enhance range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise at a low-impact level, and take care to maintain good posture.
Apply heat to relax muscles and cold to reduce inflammation in hot/cold therapy.
Alternative Therapies: Explore pain management techniques, such as yoga, acupuncture, and breathing exercises.
Spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), can affect the hips, shoulders, eyes (causing uveitis), heart (resulting in problems with the aortic valve), lungs (reducing lung capacity), and peripheral joints (such as knees and ankles).
An anti-inflammatory diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids (from fish and flaxseeds) for people with spondylitis. Lean proteins are also helpful and ensure that people get enough vitamin D.
Spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), usually develops gradually. Lower back discomfort and stiffness can progress to joint degeneration and spinal fusion, which results in altered posture and decreased flexibility. It may also affect other joints, such as the shoulders and hips.
Yes, if left untreated or not well-managed, spondylitis, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), can lead to permanent disability. Chronic inflammation will eventually cause restricted mobility, spinal fusion, and joint degeneration, making simple daily activities challenging.
While spondylitis cannot be entirely prevented, its symptoms may be controlled, and the progression of the disease can be decelerated if detected early and treated. In Singapore, healthy living through regular exercise and consultations is recommended for individuals with spondylitis to minimise risk factors and improve their quality of life.