Ankylosing Spondylitis
Living with chronic back pain makes daily life difficult. You might wake up feeling stiff or notice that resting actually makes the ache in your lower back worse. If these symptoms persist, you may have a condition known as ankylosing spondylitis. While a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, understanding the condition allows you to manage it effectively. TwelveStone Health Partners supports you through your treatment plan with care and expertise.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic condition and a form of arthritis that primarily causes inflammation in the spine. Over time, this inflammation can cause the small bones in your spine to fuse together, making your back less flexible and leading to a hunched posture. In severe cases, it may even restrict deep breathing if the ribs become affected.
This condition affects men more frequently than women, with signs usually appearing in early adulthood. Inflammation can also spread to other parts of your body, such as your eyes. Symptoms vary from person to person and might come and go, but common signs include:
- Pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning or after inactivity.
- Neck pain and fatigue.
- Pain that improves with exercise but worsens with rest.
- Difficulty taking deep breaths.
- Inflammation in the eyes that causes sensitivity to light or blurred vision.
Can You Prevent Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Unfortunately, you cannot prevent ankylosing spondylitis from starting. Scientists believe genetics play a major role, as many people with AS carry a specific gene called HLA-B27.
However, simply carrying this gene does not guarantee you will develop the disease.
Although you can’t stop the condition from beginning, you can take steps to prevent damage. Early diagnosis helps slow the progression of the disease. Avoiding tobacco is vital because smokers with AS often face worse joint damage than non-smokers. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces unnecessary stress on your painful joints.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatments
While there is no cure for AS, effective treatments reduce pain and prevent deformity. The main goal is to reduce inflammation to keep your spine healthy for as long as possible. Your doctor will create a personalized plan based on the severity of your condition.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Medications
Doctors often begin treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and ibuprofen, to relieve inflammation, pain, and stiffness. If NSAIDs do not provide enough relief, your doctor might suggest biologics.
Biologics are stronger medications that target specific proteins in the body to stop inflammation. You typically receive these drugs through an injection or an IV infusion.
TwelveStone Health Partners administers many of these therapies, including:
We provide a comfortable, private setting for these necessary treatments to help you manage your health.
Physical Therapy and Self-Care
Medication serves as just one part of your treatment plan. Movement and lifestyle choices play a major role in pain management. A physical therapist teaches you specific exercises to strengthen your body and improve posture. You can also take action at home to protect your spine.
Performing range-of-motion exercises every day helps you stay flexible. Many patients find relief through swimming or water aerobics because these activities build muscle without adding joint stress.
You can also apply heat to relax muscles before movement and use cold packs to reduce swelling later. Simple changes at home make a difference, such as selecting a firm mattress with a thin pillow for better neck support and eating whole foods to fight inflammation from the inside.
Finally, always tell massage therapists about your condition to ensure they treat you safely.
When to See a Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist specializes in arthritis and diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. You should seek a referral if you experience specific warning signs, as early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes.
Consider seeing a specialist if your back pain developed slowly before age 45 or if morning stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes. You should also seek help if back pain wakes you up in the second half of the night or if the pain has persisted for more than three months. A family history of AS or psoriasis also warrants a visit to a specialist.
Contact TwelveStone Today!
Managing ankylosing spondylitis requires a trusted partner. TwelveStone Health Partners understands the complexities of chronic conditions. If your treatment plan includes infusion therapy or complex medication management, our team is here to help. We provide a safe, welcoming environment for your care.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we support your journey toward better health.
Organizational Resources
The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) has been the face, voice and leading nationwide nonprofit organization educating, empowering and advocating for people living with spondyloarthritis.
The National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) is a voluntary, non-profit, self-help organization in the United Kingdom committed to providing information and support to affected individuals and family members.
The Arthritis Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization that provides information and resources, improves access to care, makes advancements in scientific research, and offers opportunities for community connections
