Healthy Living and Fitness

Illness Care: Arthritis

Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

With ankylosing spondylitis treatment will address joint pain and will try to prevent, delay or correct any deformities of the spine. Even with the best treatment, some people will develop a fused or "ankylosed" spine, but most remain functional. At some points, a back brace or other devices may be necessary

Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, are used to reduce chronic pain, stiffness and inflammation associated with the condition. These medications may help you to maintain normal activities. Moreover, they can control the pain sufficiently to allow you to include exercises as part of your treatment strategy. In some patients for whom NSAIDs alone are not adequate, more powerful medications such as sulfasalazine or methotrexate may be recommended, although these have a higher risk of side effects and require regular monitoring.

Surgery is performed only if the disease has caused nerve damage in the spine or if joint damage is severe.

Exercise: ankylosing spondylitis is easier to live with if you do regular exercises to improve posture and breathing. In fact, physical therapy and exercise are often the focal points of treatment. A physical therapist can help develop a proper exercise routine that in all likelihood will include range-of-motion and stretching exercises to counteract the possible loss of spinal flexibility. Certain abdominal and back exercises can help you maintain good posture and compensate for the tendency to stoop. In addition, breathing exercises can enhance lung capacity. Swimming is an especially good way to exercise because your buoyancy in the water will improve your ability to move stiff, painful areas more easily. At the same time, avoid any activities that could put undue stress on your back, and by all means, avoid contact sports or other activities in which there may be a risk of spinal injury.

Hot baths, heat and massage may help to relieve pain. Proper sleep and walking positions will also help with your posture. If you are able, sleep on your back on a firm mattress and use a small pillow or none at all.

Stop smoking: Ankylosing spondylitis can affect the bones of the rib cage, and therefore your lung capacity can be restricted to begin with. If you smoke, quitting should be a priority.

Prognosis

This disease is currently not curable. Because ankylosing spondylitis is a lifelong problem, you will need continuing care. Symptoms usually progress unpredictably with periods of improvement and worsening. With or without treatment, you may develop permanent posture and mobility problems. With treatment, symptoms can be relieved or controlled so that in all likelihood, you can lead a normal, productive life.

 

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