Four Treatments of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is one form of arthritis that directly affects the spine. People who suffer from it often experience pain and neck stiffness which extends all the way down to their lower back. In this condition, the vertebrae in the spine may either grow or fuse together leading to the development of a rigid spine. This formation can either be mild or severe and may lead to a “stooped-over” body posture. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate the pain, control further complications and reduce the chances of significant deformities.

The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis usually depends on factors such as the symptoms of pain and stiffness, results of a physical exam, x-rays of the back and pelvis, chest measurements taken during breathing, and lab results. Essentially there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis but many treatments are available to lessen the pain, achieve a good posture, and improve spinal function.

Given below are four treatment options that can be adopted for patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis.

Therapy: Physical and Occupational

Early detection can lead to early intervention with physical therapy as well as occupational therapy. These are important to maintain movement and function and reduce deformity.

Exercise

Daily exercising can greatly help in reducing stiffness in the neck and back, strengthening the joint muscles, and preventing the risk of disability. Deep breathing exercises can aid towards maintaining chest cage flexibility. Exercises such as swimming can really help patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis.

Medication

There are medicines available that provide patients relief from pain and stiffness and aid them towards performing their daily exercises with minimum discomfort. Drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are the most commonly administered to patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. Patients who have a severe condition are usually prescribed methotrexate to lessen inflammation, pain and stiffness. Cymbalta is also a physician approved drug for chronic back pain.

Surgery

Surgery is usually taken as a treatment option when a patient needs artificial joint replacement for the affected hips or knees.

Additional Tips

a. Smoking or chewing tobacco is strictly prohibited as it can seriously aggravate the condition.
b. Patients are advised to sleep on a firm mattress, lying with a straight back. Placing large pillows under the head or under the legs is not recommended as it can lead to neck fusion or knee/hip infusion.
c. Physicians also advise against jumping as sudden impact can damage the rigid neck or back.

Appropriate care needs to be taken to help patients afflicted with this condition. A team approach can be taken wherein the patient, doctor, physical therapist and occupational therapist work together on the patient’s treatment. With a stable and steady treatment program, patients even with this condition can lead normal lives.

If you have any questions regarding ankylosing spondylitis, feel free to leave your comments below.

About Author:
Douglas Roberts MD is the rheumatologist and founder of PainSpot.com. PainSpot is dedicated to providing you with information about your pain and help you with an easy-to-use website to find relief from your pain.