What Are the Treatment Goals for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes chronic back pain and stiffness. There is currently no “cure,” but treatment options can help manage the condition. Because of this, it may be hard to know if your AS medication is effective. One way to do this is by knowing your AS treatment goals.

“It is important to establish treatment goals with your physician [to help you] get back to your functional status,” says Maggie Cadet, MD, Rheumatologist in New York City.

What are the treatment goals for ankylosing spondylitis?

Treatment goals may vary slightly for each person. Common treatment goals for ankylosing spondylitis generally include:

• Reducing pain, stiffness, and other AS symptoms

• Improving mobility and preserving range of motion

• Preventing spinal fusion

• Preventing other related complications throughout the body, such as psoriasis or eye disease

• Maintaining good posture

What treatments for ankylosing spondylitis help meet these goals?

A treatment plan for AS often includes some combination of:

• Medications

• Lifestyle changes

• Posture training

• Physical therapy

• Surgery 

Not every person with AS will need all of these elements in their treatment plan. For example, not everyone will need surgery. Early and effective treatment for AS may help delay or prevent the need for surgery.

What should I do if I’m not meeting my ankylosing spondylitis treatment goals?

If you are not meeting your treatment goals, your care team may suggest changing parts of your treatment regimen. This may include changing your medication dose or switching to a different medication.

There are many medications available for ankylosing spondylitis that work in different ways. As a result, many people with AS are able to find a medication that works for them and helps them meet their goals.

The most common medication options for AS include:

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce symptoms of mild-to-moderate AS

• Corticosteroid injections to relieve short-term flares to specific areas

• DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) to relieve symptoms and reduce joint damage, possibly changing the trajectory of your disease

• Biologics to target specific parts of the immune system that fuel AS activity, also aiming to reduce the long-term severity of the disease

What should I do if I think my ankylosing spondylitis medication isn’t working?

It may feel discouraging if you’re not getting ideal results from a medication. This feeling is valid, but there’s also good reason to stay optimistic. 

“There are many options out there, and if you’re not feeling that something’s working for you, it is important to speak up,” says Dr. Cadet. “You know your body best, and it’s important to advocate for yourself to find the treatment option that works for you.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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