Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. The goal of treatment for AS is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and prevent further damage to the joints. There are several treatment options available for AS, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Medication treatment is often the first line of defense against AS symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are also used to slow the progression of the disease. TNF inhibitors and biologic agents are newer options that have been shown to be effective in managing AS symptoms. These medications can be taken orally or by injection, and they work by targeting specific inflammatory pathways in the body. However, medication treatment can have side effects and potential risks, so it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Physical therapy is also an important aspect of treatment for AS. Exercise and stretching can help to improve mobility and reduce pain. Physical therapy can also help to improve overall function and quality of life. Techniques and exercises that can be used to improve mobility and reduce pain include:
- Range of motion exercises
- Stretching
- Strengthening exercises
- Aerobic exercises
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct joint damage caused by AS. Surgery can also be used to correct spinal deformities that can occur with the disease.
Medication Treatment
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation in AS. Examples include ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to slow the progression of the disease. Examples include methotrexate and sulfasalazine.
- TNF inhibitors, such as adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab, are newer options that have been shown to be effective in managing AS symptoms. They work by targeting specific inflammatory pathways in the body.
- Biologic agents are medications that are made from living cells and are used to target specific proteins in the body that are involved in inflammation. Examples include Ustekinumab and secukinumab.
- Side effects and potential risks of medication treatment can include stomach upset, headaches, allergic reactions, and an increased risk of infections.
- Medication treatment can also have serious side effects, such as liver or kidney damage, so it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor for any adverse reactions.
- Medication treatment can be taken orally or by injection, and it’s important to follow the dosing instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
- Medication treatment may not be effective for everyone and may need to be adjusted over time.
- Combining medication treatment with physical therapy and other treatments may be necessary to manage AS symptoms effectively.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an important aspect of treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). It can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further damage to the joints. The following are some key points about physical therapy for AS:
- Exercise and stretching are crucial for managing AS symptoms. Physical therapy can help to improve overall function and quality of life by helping patients to maintain a proper range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
- Range of motion exercises, stretching and strengthening exercises can help to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Aerobic exercises can help to improve cardiovascular function and overall health.
- Techniques such as yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates can also be helpful for improving flexibility, balance, and relaxation.
- Physical therapy can also help to correct spinal deformities that can occur with the disease.
- A physical therapist can work with a patient to develop an individualized exercise program that takes into account the patient’s specific symptoms and needs.
- Physical therapy can be done in a clinical setting or at home with guidance from a therapist.
- Regular follow-up appointments with a physical therapist are important to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the exercise program.
- Combining physical therapy with medication treatment and other treatments may be necessary to manage AS symptoms effectively.
- It’s important to work with a healthcare team, including a primary care doctor, rheumatologist, and physical therapist, to create an individualized treatment plan.
Combination Therapy
Combination therapy is the use of multiple treatment options to manage Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) symptoms effectively. Different people with AS will respond differently to different treatments, and combining therapy can help to find the right combination that works best for an individual patient. The following are some key points about combination therapy for AS:
- Medication treatment, physical therapy, and other treatments can be combined to manage AS symptoms effectively.
- Medication treatment, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), TNF inhibitors, and biologic agents, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy, including exercise and stretching, can help to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Surgery may be necessary to correct joint damage caused by AS.
- Combining therapy can help to find the right balance between managing symptoms and minimizing side effects of treatment.
- A healthcare team, including a primary care doctor, rheumatologist, and physical therapist, can work together to create an individualized treatment plan that takes into account a patient’s specific symptoms and needs.
- Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare team members are important to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
- Patient education and self-management techniques can also be an important aspect of combination therapy, such as learning how to use heat and cold therapy, how to use assistive devices, and how to manage stress and fatigue.
- Combination therapy can be an effective way to manage AS symptoms, but it’s important to keep in mind that it may take some time to find the right combination of treatments that works best for an individual patient.
