Bechterew's disease: successfully combating pain with deep heat

The symptoms are different, but the goal of those affected is identical: anyone suffering from Bechterew's disease primarily wants to achieve lasting pain relief. For Michael von Allmen, too, this goal quickly took centre stage. After all, everyday activities such as tying shoes were associated with pain. But what works best in the fight against chronic pain?

In this interview, the ambitious CEO shares his medical history and reveals how he managed to alleviate his pain in the long term with Calopad's deep heat.

Diagnosed with Bechterew's disease - what now?

It is crucial not to panic. After all, contrary to many claims, the pain of Bechterew's disease can be alleviated in the long term or even completely eliminated in some cases. This requires effective treatment methods as well as the right knowledge and a lot of patience. One thing is clear: damage in the form of cartilage and deformation cannot be cured with therapy, but it can be halted. This is why those affected should act quickly once they have been diagnosed.

Successfully running a company despite constant pain

Michael von Allmen is Managing Director of the renowned Swiss company Von Allmen AG and has been living with the limitations of the chronic inflammatory disease ankylosing spondylitis since the age of 28. He is convinced that if you consult an experienced rheumatologist in good time, you can greatly improve the course of the disease. After all, expert tips and constant support help to recognise the individual symptoms and find the right form of therapy.

Thanks to Calopad's effective therapy method and the tips of an experienced rheumatologist, Michael von Allmen was finally able to find lasting relief from his pain. Today, he lives with a much better quality of life than when he was diagnosed. In this interview, Michael von Allmen reveals his biggest learnings, how he deals with the disease today and why the Calopad deep heat patch makes his everyday life easier.

Mr von Allmen, when did you notice the first signs of Bechterew's disease and what were the symptoms?

I was diagnosed with HLA B27 in my blood at the age of 28. At that time, I was experiencing the typical symptoms of Bechterew's disease, such as neck pain and a stiff back. Some of the symptoms were so severe that I could hardly get out of bed. I also struggled with severe neck pain and joint problems in my hands and feet. Due to the pain and restrictions, some of the most everyday activities such as tying my shoes became strenuous. After seeing about three different doctors, I finally found a rheumatologist who has looked after me perfectly over the years.

What do you do for acute pain?

I now know that applying heat to certain areas quickly brings me relief from acute pain attacks. Heat is particularly helpful for my neck pain. Exercise also helps me a lot with acute pain. I find that the pain is better relieved when I do sport, cycling, running, jogging etc.

What forms of heat therapy have you already tried?

In recent years, I have tried various neck gels and chemical heat patches to apply a certain amount of deep heat to the muscle. Since November 2021, I have been using the electronic deep heat patch from Calopad.

Chemical heat plasters vs Calopad: What has been your experience?

Heat gels always left my skin feeling a little irritated. As a result, my skin was dried out after use. Chemical heat pads with activated carbon can only be used once and generate a lot of waste. I found that although gels and chemical heat patches give off a quick and cosy warmth, this does not go deep down and quickly disappears again. Calopad is different. After repeated use, I realised that the heat penetrates deeper into the muscles than with conventional heat patches. Because of my positive experience and the effective pain relief, I immediately bought two Calopads.

What are your biggest learnings with regard to the different forms of therapy?

After trying out numerous forms of heat therapy, I know that you have to differentiate between heat. There are forms of therapy that provide soothing superficial heat and those that generate therapeutic deep heat - like Calopad. For me personally, the deep heat from Calopad is very valuable as I can relieve the pain within a short time. In my case, I support the heat effects with CBD oil, which is now authorised. This also relaxes the muscles.

Do you do physiotherapy exercises to relieve your pain?

I have started some therapies, but only for a short time. Initially, I went to physiotherapy regularly and now I occasionally make time for specific exercises that I know from therapy.I also like to keep my body fit in the great outdoors by running, cycling and hiking.

Are there any associations or online platforms that you can use to talk to other people about Bechterew's disease?

Yes, I am a member of the Swiss Ankylosing Spondylitis Association. My former doctor is also one of the counsellors of this association. Every month I receive a booklet summarising the latest findings about the disease. It is exciting to see that ankylosing spondylitis is now a widespread disease. It's also amazing that many people who suffer from Bechterew's disease don't even know about it. They feel pain every day but cannot identify it.

What advice would you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis?

Firstly, it is important to understand the disease. That's why it's essential to consult an experienced rheumatologist. Someone who also pays attention to your own perceptions and pain. To make everyday life more bearable, some medications can be helpful. It is important that various medications are tried out carefully and dosed correctly. I have tried Infliximab (Remicade) and Adalimumab (Humira) and am currently doing well with Etenercept (Enbrel).

However, in order to relieve the pain in the long term, it is crucial to use effective forms of therapy. In this respect, I am glad that I came across the new deep heat device from Calopad through an acquaintance. With Calopad, I have found a healthy, drug-free form of therapy that I can use to relieve my pain sustainably and without any side effects. It is reassuring that you learn to deal with the illness within a short space of time. My weight reduction of around 28 kilograms was the best thing I could have done to get the disease under control. Because having too much weight on your ribs puts a strain on your joints.

Act quickly: These symptoms can indicate the chronic inflammatory disease

Did you know that ankylosing spondylitis remains unrecognised for a long time in many patients? This is due to the wide range of symptoms that the chronic inflammatory disease can trigger. For example, many sufferers experience persistent severe neck and back pain. They only realise much later that this is not "normal" tension or pain, but a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis. Atypical symptoms also occur, which a layperson would not initially associate with the chronic inflammatory disease. Who would expect a chronic inflammatory disease when the joints swell up considerably after a minor sports injury?

Early clarification by a renowned rheumatologist is definitely recommended here in order to avoid a tedious clarification marathon.