What to do about ankylosing spondylitis pain?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on December 18, 2024
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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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How is ankylosing spondylitis treated?

The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis mainly consists of three types: The first is anti-inflammatory pain relief, primarily using non-steroidal pain relief medications, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. The second is the selection of disease control medications, mainly involving drugs like sulfasalazine tablets. For ankylosing spondylitis, the most effective and economically expensive treatment is biological agents therapy. We commonly use drugs such as tumor necrosis factor antagonists. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis during acute pain periods are advised not to engage in intense exercise. However, during remission periods, appropriate functional exercises are recommended to prevent the adhesion and stiffness of spinal joints.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Is ankylosing spondylitis hereditary?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic autoimmune disease of unclear etiology characterized by chronic inflammation primarily affecting the axial joints, mainly involving the sacroiliac joint. The cause is unclear, and research by experts has shown that the disease tends to run in families, indicating familial clustering. It is not classified as a genetic disease, but there is both familial clustering and a genetic predisposition, meaning that if parents have the disease, their children are much more likely to develop it compared to others. Therefore, if symptoms such as lower back pain or neck stiffness occur, it is advisable to undergo thorough examinations and seek early diagnosis and treatment to delay joint deformity and control the progression of the disease.

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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 Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), where "A" stands for fusion and "S" for spine, refers to the condition where the bones and joints of the spine are fused together. Ankylosing Spondylitis is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton and major limb joints. It is characterized by fibrosis and ossification of the intervertebral discs’ annulus fibrosus and nearby connective tissues, as well as ankylosis (stiffening) of the joints. It presents as a sterile inflammation occurring in the spine. However, it is not solely limited to the spine as it also involves the axial bones and major limb joints. The pathological hallmark of the disease includes inflammation mainly at the sacroiliac joints and points of attachment to the spine, leading to joint stiffness and calcification of the spinal ligaments and joints. The disease progression begins at the sacroiliac joint, spreading upwards through the entirety of the spine, and eventually stops at the cervical vertebrae. Symptoms start with pain in the early stages, followed by restricted mobility in the intermediate phase, and ultimately leading to deformities of the abdomen and back, culminating in severe hunchback. The exact cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis remains unclear, with various theories proposed but none universally accepted. Additionally, it is categorized under rheumatologic and immunologic disorders.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis hurt?

Ankylosing spondylitis primarily targets the axial joints, manifesting as a chronic autoimmune disease. The most common clinical symptoms include stiffness in the neck and pain in the lumbar and back regions, areas particularly associated with axial joint involvement, predominantly affecting the spine. Additionally, symptoms can also appear in areas outside of the joints, such as pain in the peripheral joints, heels, wrists, and shoulders. Moreover, some individuals may experience eye inflammation, including recurrent uveitis and corneal ulcers. While spinal pain, neck stiffness, and lumbar or back pain are the most commonly observed clinical manifestations, hip joint pain is also frequently noted.