It is likely, once diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), the treatment will be a mixture of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and excercise. The levels of pain and your mobility will probably determine your excercise program. There is no cure for AS so this will become your daily routine if you want to stay as pain-free and mobile as possible now, and in the future.
The Spondylitis Society of America say
‘In recent years, advances have been made in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. There is a lot that can be done to relieve the pain and stiffness of the AS and recent studies show that the new biologic medications (TNF-a Inhibitors) can potentially slow or halt the disease progression in some people.
A common treatment regimen involves medication, exercise and possibly physical therapy, good posture practices, and other treatment options such as applying heat/cold to help relax muscles and reduce joint pain. In severe cases of AS, surgery may also be an option.’
Between your rheumatologist and Phsiotherapist (or alike) you’ll be presented with different options for drugs and excercise. The NHS website explains:
The rheumatologist will advise you and your GP about continuing your treatment using:
- physical treatments, such as physiotherapy (where physical methods, such as exercise and manipulation, are used to improve your symptoms and wellbeing)
- medication to control the pain and relieve the symptoms
It goes on to explain the importance of excercise with AS, and how the type of physiotherapy that may be recommended may include:
- a group exercise programme, where you exercise with other people
- an individual exercise programme – you are given exercises to do by yourself
- massage – your muscles and other soft tissues are manipulated to relieve pain and improve movement (the bones of the spine should never be manipulated as this can cause injury in people with ankylosing spondylitis)
- hydrotherapy – you exercise in water (usually a warm, shallow swimming pool or a special hydrotherapy bath); the weight of the water helps to improve your circulation (blood flow), relieve pain and relax your muscles
- electrotherapy – electric currents or impulses (small electric shocks) make your muscles contract (tighten), which can help ease pain and promote healing