ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS (AS) TREATMENT OPTIONS

Discuss your options with your doctor

Once you’ve been diagnosed with AS, you and your rheumatologist will decide on a treatment plan. In addition to medication, your doctor may recommend a regimen of exercise and physical therapy as part of your treatment plan to help improve your posture and mobility. While there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, treatment can help reduce the pain and stiffness it causes. Have open and honest talks with your rheumatologist about the appropriate therapy for you and your goals.

TREATMENTS

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen

Used to treat pain and stiffness
Usually the first medications doctors prescribe. Sometimes NSAIDs may not be helpful enough in reducing symptoms

Biologics

Biologics are pharmaceutical products manufactured in a living system such as a microorganism or plant or animal cell
May be used if NSAIDs aren’t doing enough. Your doctor may suggest a biologic to help reduce pain and stiffness in your spinal joints

Corticosteroids (steroids)

May be prescribed for a short term orally or given as a localized injection
May be recommended to help reduce pain and inflammation

Surgery

Select patients with severe disease and limited mobility may benefit from spine or hip surgery. It is important to discuss all treatment options and their risks and benefits with the appropriate specialists.

The danger of not treating AS

Not treating AS can cause your pain to get worse over time. That’s why it’s so important to seek treatment from a rheumatologist with whom you can discuss all of your symptoms.

Why See a Rheumatologist?