Lifestyle Changes
Quitting smoking is an essential component for improving symptoms from ankylosing spondylitis.
Evidence suggests thatsmoking may exacerbate disease symptoms.
Exercise is also an important part of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis.
Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell
Your healthcare provider can help you develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective for you.
The good news is there is little harm associated with physical therapy.
Also, a person can engage in exercises and stretches at home or within a group setting.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
However, research does suggest that supervised group physical therapy may be more beneficial than home exercises.
They work by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX enzymes).
By blocking these enzymes, prostaglandin levels are reduced in the body.
However, NSAIDs aren’t a viable treatment for all.
NSAIDs cannot be taken by everyone due to their potential for harm.
It’s important to only take an NSAID under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
NSAIDs can also increase your risk of heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.
They may also raise a person’s blood pressure and cause or worsen kidney problems.
In addition to these potential harms, NSAIDs may interact with your other medications.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
There are a number of different NSAIDs available to treat AS, including both over-the-counter NSAIDs and prescription NSAIDs.
Examples include:
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen are also available by prescription at a higher strength.
TNF blockers are not completely benign therapies.
They do have risks, and this must be weighed carefully for each person.
An example of a mild infection is a common cold.
Due to the risk of tuberculosis reactivation, a TB test is required before initiating TNF blocker therapy.
Rarely, TNF blockers have been linked to an increased chance of developing certain cancers.
It’s also important to know that certain people are not candidates for taking TNF blockers.
Conditions that would prevent a person from being able to take TNF blockers would be considered contraindications.
IL-17A is known to play a major role in the development of AS.
Research is still evolving on Cosentyx.
Surgery
In rare instances, surgery is needed to treat ankylosing spondylitis.
This is usually reserved for people with severe hip joint damage and pain.
In these instances, a total hip replacement is often recommended over no surgery at all.
Complementary/Alternative Medicine
Some people choose to pursue alternative methods in addressing their AS as well.
These methods have not been through the rigorous studies necessary for drug approval.
Omega-3 supplements may also provide some benefits.
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