Can ankylosing spondylitis be cured?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, primarily characterized by the involvement of the axial joints. This disease cannot be cured, but its progression can be controlled through medication to delay joint deformity, improve quality of life, and reduce disability rates, which are also the goals of treatment. Middle-aged or young males experiencing stiffness in the neck or pain in the lower back should seek comprehensive examinations, early diagnosis, and treatment as soon as possible.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
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How to exercise with ankylosing spondylitis

In the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis, when the impact on the sacral and other joints is minimal, normal activities such as swimming and jogging are acceptable. However, in the later stages of ankylosing spondylitis, as the disease progressively affects the sacral, hip, and knee joints, it becomes necessary to adjust the exercise regimen, mainly focusing on walking. It is important to avoid localized exposure to the cold and to take oral medications that nourish the joint cartilage. Daily local heat therapy for the joints or appropriate acupuncture can also help to some extent in delaying the erosion and damage of the joints by ankylosing spondylitis.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What department should I go to for ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an idiopathic systemic disease primarily characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial joints, mainly involving the sacroiliac joint. The typical onset age ranges from 10 to 14 years, and it is more common in males. It is not hereditary, but there is a familial predisposition. If there is a family history, and localized pain or discomfort is present, especially if there is difficulty turning over at night, stiffness after waking or after prolonged sitting or standing, which eases with activity, it is important to be alert. This condition falls under rheumatic immune diseases, therefore, it should be managed by a rheumatology immunology department, not orthopedics.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can people with ankylosing spondylitis work out?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured. It can only be managed with medication to control the condition, delay the onset of joint deformities, and reduce the rate of disability. Lifestyle changes are also a part of the treatment, including quitting smoking and drinking, and avoiding carbonated beverages as they can exacerbate bone loss. Additionally, regular exercise is important, with swimming being the best option. Swimming not only exercises the limbs and improves muscle coordination but also reduces joint wear and tear, making it the ideal form of exercise. For patients who cannot swim, other forms of exercise such as walking or running are also beneficial for fitness.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What should I do in the late stage of ankylosing spondylitis?

Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the axial joints, but it can also present with extra-articular manifestations. Severe cases can lead to ankylosis and deformities of the spine, which are complications of late-stage ankylosing spondylitis. At this stage, surgery is needed to manage the activity of the disease. If the activity of the disease is not controlled, even joint replacement can still lead to the progression of the disease and further damage to the joint structures. For severe disabling deformities, spinal orthopedic surgery can be considered, and spinal surgery is required when an acute fracture occurs.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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How long does ankylosing spondylitis take to cause paralysis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease and a chronic condition. It primarily involves damage to the axial joints. Additionally, extrajoint manifestations can occur, such as iritis, keratitis, and corneal perforation. Currently, there is no effective cure for ankylosing spondylitis, meaning it cannot be completely cured. The treatment focuses on long-term medication management to control symptoms, delay complications, improve quality of life, and reduce disability rates. This is the main goal of treatment. Without proper treatment, deformities in the joints and spinal ankylosis can develop within a relatively short period, about seven to eight years, leading to a hunched back and significant restriction in joint mobility. Proper treatment can significantly delay joint damage. Regarding whether ankylosing spondylitis can lead to paralysis, it does not cause paralysis but does result in decreased energy and ability for activities such as turning, twisting the head, or bending, which are significantly restricted.