Ankylosing spondylitis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Cervical spondylosis

Skeletal spine

Rheumatoid spondylitis; Spondylitis; Spondylarthropathy

The goal is to relieve the joint pain and to prevent, delay, or correct deformities.

MEDICATIONS

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin are used to reduce inflammation and pain associated with the condition. They allow patients to exercise, which improves posture and breathing.

DO NOT give aspirin or other NSAIDs to children unless advised to do so by the health care provider!

Corticosteroid therapy or medications to suppress the immune system may be prescribed to control various symptoms. Some health care professionals use cytotoxic drugs (drugs that block cell growth) in people who do not respond well to corticosteroids or who are dependent on high doses of corticosteroids.

Drugs called TNF-inhibitors have been shown to improve the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

SURGERY

Surgery is done if pain or joint damage is severe.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Exercises can help improve posture and breathing. Lying flat on the back at night can help maintain normal posture. Use devices to help with activities of daily living.

The course of the disease is unpredictable; remissions and relapses may occur at any stage. Most people are able to function unless the hips are severely involved.

• heart valve disease, typically aortic valve stenosis
• aortitis
• eye inflammation (uveitis)
• pulmonary fibrosis

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis or if you have ankylosing spondylitis and new symptoms develop during treatment.

Review Date: 04/20/2005
Reviewed By: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.