Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the spine. While there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, there are treatments available to help manage its symptoms and slow its progression.
Treatment Options
The main goal of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint function, and prevent further damage to the spine. Treatment typically includes medications, exercise, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce pain and inflammation. Other medications, such as biologic agents, may be used to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.
Exercise: Exercise is important to maintain or improve flexibility and strength. A physical therapist or doctor can recommend specific exercises to help improve joint function and reduce pain.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve posture and flexibility, and reduce pain. A physical therapist can also teach exercises to help maintain and improve joint function.
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your lifestyle can help reduce pain and improve joint function. This may include avoiding activities that cause pain, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.
Alternative Therapies
There are a number of alternative therapies that may be helpful in managing symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. These may include acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. While these therapies may help relieve pain and improve joint function, they should not be used in place of conventional treatment.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct damage to the spine caused by ankylosing spondylitis. The type of surgery will depend on the severity of the damage to the spine.
Although there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, treatments are available to help manage its symptoms and slow its progression. Treatment typically includes medications, exercise, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, as well as alternative therapies and, in some cases, surgery.