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Ankylosing Spondylitis Cures

Anklylosing spondylitis is a condition that causes painful inflammation of the spine and other joints. In rare cases, the eyes, lungs and heart can be affected by the condition. In severe cases of ankylosing spondylitis, the bones of the spine can fuse together, causing a stooped posture called kyphosis. Currently there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis itself, but treatment can keep the disease from progressing quickly and crippling the patient.

  1. Causes

    • Why can't we cure ankylosing spondylitis? The reason: nobody knows exactly what causes the disease. Scientists think that a certain gene, called HLA-B27, has something to do with the condition--95 percent of Caucasians with ankylosing spondylitis have this gene, although the genetic association does lessen with other racial groups. Still, not everyone with the HLA-B27 gene develops ankylosing spondylitis, and some people without the gene do end up with the condition. Scientists are working to find out what triggers the HLA-B27 gene; until then, doctors concentrate on halting ankylosing spondylitis's progression and easing patients' pain.

    Medication

    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen, are the first line of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. Corticosteroids can also be used--you can take them orally or your doctor can give you an injection. However, you can't take them that often because they can cause bone loss. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) also ease joint inflammation but they can cause serious side effects, like low blood cell count and liver damage. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers are new biologic drugs. They are good at treating spinal problems but taking them can leave you susceptible to neurological problems and redeveloping old infections.

    Exercise/Surgery

    • Exercise can also halt the progress of ankylosing spondylitis and ease pain. Physical therapy can keep your spine flexible and your posture correct, which lowers your chance of developing a fused spine. It's also important to determine proper sleep positions with your physical therapist. Surgery isn't usually used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, but it can be performed if you need joint replacements or if you have a very badly curved spine.

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