What is the treatment generally prescribed for Ankylosing Spondylitis? The main medications prescribed will be pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs and aspirin are usually prescribed to decrease the pain and control the inflammation. These should be taken with meals so you minimize the side effects of stomach upsets and ulcers. In some cases, these tablets are not very effective in which case there are newer medications which are very much more effective called TNF or tumor necrosis factor blockers. These reduce inflammation, improve mobility and prevent the disease from progressing. This treatment could go on for years and if discontinued, the condition makes a comeback.
When it comes to Ankylosing Spondylitis, the sooner the condition is diagnosed the better the chances of managing and controlling it. However, as pain is a symptom of so many ailments, it is a process of elimination usually before this can be diagnosed by which time the condition could have progressed a great deal. Once the pain and the inflammation are managed, doctors will ask you to start off on an exercise regimen in order to keep your joints as mobile as possible. Walking and swimming are the most natural and most effective forms of exercise and controlled aerobics could be an option to keep the joints mobile. Hydrotherapy or exercising in the water is also very helpful in this condition. Physical therapy could also be recommended and this usually has exercises for better posture and mobility. Lying on one’s back on a firm mattress without a pillow could improve breathing and posture. Heat is yet another way to decrease the pain and discomfort. A warm bath, hot water bottles and electric blankets provide a lot of relief.
Corticosteroids are also used when there is a lot of pain to control the pain and the inflammation. These could be in the form of tablets or maybe injections in the more severe cases. The problem is, there are side effects when they are used for a long time and some of them could be serious like thinning of the bones, cataracts, diabetes, etc. If the eyes are affected, you will need cortisone drops. Some doctors prescribe cytotoxic drugs which block cell growth and this is done when corticosteroids do not work well on the patient. In extreme cases, there might be a need for surgery when the damage to the joints is severe. If the heart is affected, a pacemaker might need to be fitted.
The treatment will also include lifestyle changes. Smokers will have to quit as tobacco smoke can make this condition worse. Chairs and tables might need to be adjusted so your posture is good. You might also have to readjust your driving mirrors or use wide ones because your ability to turn around is decreased. Losing weight and eating healthy are also moves in the right direction and while foods have not really been seen to have a positive or negative effect on this condition, it helps to lessen the pressure on the joints if you lose weight.