Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis: New Options That Can Help

In this video, Jessica Patel, MD, and Themistocles Protopsaltis, MD, discuss the different medications used to treat AS.

Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Updated on May 31, 2023

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Ankylosing spondylitis — a chronic and inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine — has no cure as of yet. However, diagnosing AS and beginning treatment is essential. Not only can it relieve the painful and even debilitating symptoms of AS, but it can also help prevent disease progression and deformities.

For example, in advanced cases, people with AS may need surgery to correct the spine or replace joints. To avoid this severe option, doctors recommend early treatment, which includes a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

Additional Medical Contributors (2)

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• Jessica Patel, MDDr. Patel is a rheumatologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
• Themistocles Protopsaltis, MDDr. Protopsaltis is a surgeon specializing in orthopedic and spine surgeries at NYU Langone Health.

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References

Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.) Ankylosing spondylitis self-care.

Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Ankylosing spondylitis treatment.

View All References (3)

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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2023). How is ankylosing spondylitis treated?

UpToDate. (2022). Patient education: axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis (beyond the basics).

UpToDate. (2022). Patient education: disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)(beyond the basics).

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