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 Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What to do about ankylosing spondylitis pain?

The methods for treating pain in ankylosing spondylitis primarily include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets; secondly, biologics can be considered for pain relief, but before using biologics, it is necessary to rigorously rule out diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and tumors. During the painful periods of ankylosing spondylitis, patients are advised to rest appropriately to alleviate joint inflammation. However, after the pain subsides, it is recommended that patients engage in functional exercises to prevent complications such as further adhesion and stiffening of the spinal joints. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Is moxibustion useful for ankylosing spondylitis?

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are not recommended to receive moxibustion treatment because it can easily cause skin burns and local soft tissue infections. Moreover, moxibustion does not address the root cause of ankylosing spondylitis. It is recommended to continue with regular oral medication treatments. The medications used to treat ankylosing spondylitis mainly include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium. Commonly used medications to control the condition include sulfasalazine and thalidomide. Currently, the most effective treatment for ankylosing spondylitis involves biologic agents, commonly tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What injections are used for ankylosing spondylitis?

Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease primarily characterized by the destruction of axial joints, a chronic condition that can also manifest peripheral joint lesions. Currently, there are no definitive cures, meaning long-term medication is necessary to alleviate symptoms, control disease progression, delay joint deformity, reduce disability, and improve quality of life. This constitutes the overall goal of treatment. The preferred treatments are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologic agents. However, before using biologic agents, it is essential to complete routine blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, screenings for infectious diseases, and tuberculosis. After excluding infections, tuberculosis, and tumors, biologic agents can be administered. During the use of biologic agents, there is a risk of reduced immunity, making it easy to contract infections. Therefore, it is important to avoid getting cold, overwork, and to regularly recheck routine blood parameters, liver, and kidney functions.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis cause buttock pain?

Ankylosing spondylitis may cause buttock pain. It primarily affects the axial joints, and can be accompanied by extrarticular manifestations. This condition leads to stiffening and deformity of the spine, and it cannot be cured, only managed with medication to slow the progression of the disease, delay joint deformity, improve quality of life, and reduce disability rates. Its clinical manifestations vary widely, and its onset is often insidious. Men are more commonly affected and tend to experience more severe symptoms. The most common symptoms include stiffness in the neck or pain in the lumbar and back areas. However, some people may experience pain in the lower back, accompanied by morning stiffness, or alternating pain in the buttocks, or radiating pain from the groin to the lower limbs. This pain is often worse at night or after prolonged sitting, but symptoms can lessen after activity.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can ankylosing spondylitis cause red eyes?

Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the axial joints. Its most common clinical manifestations are a stiffness in the neck or pain in the lumbar and back areas. This pain often occurs after sitting for a long time or at night, and symptoms are relieved after standing up and moving around; these are the main joint symptoms. In addition to these, there can also be extra-articular manifestations, with the most common being uveitis or iritis, which occur repeatedly. Some individuals may even develop corneal ulcers, also known in layman's terms as experiencing "red eye." These are extra-articular symptoms. Once recurrent uveitis or iritis occurs, aside from considering eye-related issues, systemic diseases must also be considered. Following the onset of this type of uveitis, the first choice of treatment is biologics.