What medicine is used for ankylosing spondylitis?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on April 05, 2025
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The medication for ankylosing spondylitis mainly involves three aspects. The first is non-steroidal pain-relief medications, commonly including drugs like sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets.

The second involves drugs that control the condition, commonly using medications like sulfasalazine and thalidomide.

The third, which is currently the most effective, involves treatment with biologics. Common biologics include tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. However, before using biologics, it is crucial to rigorously rule out complications such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and tumors. Only after excluding these conditions should one consider using biologics.

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis should also pay attention to appropriate functional exercises in daily life to prevent the stiffening of spinal joints.

(Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, based on the specific situation.)

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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.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis have a genetic component?

Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that primarily affects the axial joints, and this disease is incurable. It can only be managed with medications to control the progression of the disease, delay the appearance of joint deformities, and reduce disability. This is the main purpose of its treatment. The cause of the disease is also unclear, and it is somewhat related to genetics. If parents have it, the incidence in their children is significantly increased, and there is a phenomenon of familial aggregation. It cannot be considered a hereditary disease, but there is indeed a phenomenon of familial aggregation. Moreover, the incidence of the disease in children is much higher than in families without a history of the disease.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What medicine is used for ankylosing spondylitis?

The medication for ankylosing spondylitis mainly involves three aspects. The first is non-steroidal pain-relief medications, commonly including drugs like sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. The second involves drugs that control the condition, commonly using medications like sulfasalazine and thalidomide. The third, which is currently the most effective, involves treatment with biologics. Common biologics include tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. However, before using biologics, it is crucial to rigorously rule out complications such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and tumors. Only after excluding these conditions should one consider using biologics. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis should also pay attention to appropriate functional exercises in daily life to prevent the stiffening of spinal joints. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, based on the specific situation.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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How to exercise with ankylosing spondylitis?

Once diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, after ruling out contraindications such as hepatitis B infection and tuberculosis, it is necessary to administer standard medications to improve rheumatic conditions. At the same time, it is necessary to develop good living habits, such as abstaining from alcohol, quitting smoking, and avoiding carbonated drinks and coffee, as these can exacerbate osteoporosis. Secondly, it is important to exercise regularly; one can walk slowly, run, or swim. Swimming is the best form of exercise for patients with ankylosing spondylitis as it can enhance the coordination of limb muscles while also delaying joint wear. Thirdly, it is important to maintain good posture and sleep on a hard bed.

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

The medications for treating pain in ankylosing spondylitis fall into three major categories: The first category includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. The second category consists of disease-controlling drugs, which are often immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine. Third, if patients still experience significant back pain despite using anti-inflammatory analgesics and disease-controlling drugs, biologic agents can be considered. The main biologics currently include tumor necrosis factor antagonists. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)