Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Methods

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammation of your joints along your spine and pelvis. It is a chronic, progressive disease that eventually causes affected bones to fuse together. This may cause limited motion and the inability to expand your chest fully. Other symptoms include back, joint and hip pain. Treatment is centered on reducing pain and inflammation.

Medication

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs are the most common form of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. Some of these drugs, like Motrin and Aleve, are available over the counter. High-dose NSAIDs require a prescription. Prescription NSAIDs have a high risk for gastrointestinal side effects like ulcers, bleeding and heartburn. You may need antacids to protect your stomach from irritation.

  Your doctor may prescribe sulfasalazine if NSAIDs are not effective. Sulfasalazine reduces swelling in your joints, which helps to relieve pain. This drug can affect the functioning of your bone marrow, so your doctor will monitor your blood counts closely while you take it.

  Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug given in small doses to treat ankylosing spondylitis. This drug can cause mouth ulcers. Your doctor may recommend that you take folic acid to minimize your risk of side effects. He also may prescribe corticosteroid injections, such as prednisone, into inflamed joints to provide relief from the pain of ankylosing spondylitis.

  Biologic drugs, like Enbrel, are the newest form of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. These can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with spinal arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. These drugs potentially have serious side effects, like an increased risk of tuberculosis and cancer.

Exercise

• Exercise is an important form of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. It keeps your body flexible and helps you to maintain proper posture. You should do posture exercises every day. Start with stretches to loosen your muscles. Stand with your back to a wall and your feet about 4 inches away. Try to touch your buttocks and shoulders to the wall. Hold for five seconds and repeat. Another posture exercise is to lie face down on your bed or the floor. Work up to staying in this position for approximately 20 minutes each day.

Hot and Cold Therapy

• Heat can help loosen stiff joints and relieve muscle pain. You can apply heat with a heating pad or a warm shower. Ice packs can help reduce inflammation in joints and relieve pain.