Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy > Conditions and therapies > Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
PrintAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) causes inflammation, or swelling, of the spine and the joints connecting the lower spine to the pelvis. AS can cause stiffness, aching, and pain around the spine. Over time, inflammation of the spine can lead to fusion of the vertebrae, which can make it difficult or impossible to move and can increase the risk of bone fractures. Sometimes other areas of the body—such as the eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, shoulders, knees, and ankles—may also be affected.
Select any question to learn more about ankylosing spondylitis below:
Is there a cure for ankylosing spondylitis?
What causes ankylosing spondylitis?
Who develops ankylosing spondylitis?
What are the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?
How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
How is ankylosing spondylitis treated?
What medications are used to treat ankylosing spondylitis?
What are other ways to manage ankylosing spondylitis?
How can Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy help?
Where can I find more information about ankylosing spondylitis?
Is there a cure for ankylosing spondylitis?
Currently, there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment is focused on minimizing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the condition. No one treatment is effective for every person, and it is often necessary to adjust treatment as time goes on.
What causes ankylosing spondylitis?
The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. However, genetics are thought to play a role. Most people who have AS share genetic characteristics that may have made them more likely to develop AS.
Who develops ankylosing spondylitis?
According to the Spondylitis Association of America, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) affects at least half a million people in the United States. However, this estimate may be low, as AS is thought to be underdiagnosed. AS typically develops in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 17 and 35. Men are affected more frequently than women. The prevalence of AS varies by ethnic group and is most common in Native Americans.
What are the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and when they begin to appear can vary from person to person. Symptoms may include:
- Pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks
- Pain that is usually dull and spread out rather than localized to one spot
- Gradual onset of back pain and stiffness over a period of weeks or months
- Pain in other areas of the body, such as the chest or neck
- Symptoms lasting longer than three months
- Early morning stiffness, which is improved by a warm shower or light exercise
AS typically gets worse with prolonged rest, unlike other forms of lower back pain. Iritis, an inflammation of the iris, a part of the eye, may sometimes be one of the first symptoms. AS can also decrease the flexibility of the spine and make it more difficult to breathe as the condition becomes worse.
How is ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is thought to be a genetic condition. Doctors specializing in the treatment of arthritis and other joint diseases, called rheumatologists, are trained to recognize the symptoms of AS. Typically, early-morning stiffness that improves after a warm shower, deep buttock pain in the night, or inflammation of the iris of the eye can lead a doctor to consider a diagnosis of AS. Additional diagnostic clues include:
- Gradual onset of back pain and stiffness
- Symptoms lasting longer than three months
- Pain located in other areas of the body, such as the chest or the neck
- Pain that often causes sleep disturbances
Subtle changes in X-rays of the pelvic region are important in the definitive diagnosis of AS. However, X-rays often don’t indicate any problems until many years after the first symptoms. It is important for the rheumatologist to be very observant to recognize clues that can quickly lead to a diagnosis of AS.
How is ankylosing spondylitis treated?
Much can be done to reduce the effects of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Even people with mild symptoms can benefit from seeing a rheumatologist at least annually for a wellness examination.
Though some people with AS may not need to take medication, most treatment plans include medication. This helps reduce the pain and stiffness caused by AS, allowing a person to follow a daily exercise program. Reinforcing good posture is also critical to relieving strain on the body. It is important for people with AS to talk with their doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Additional ways to manage symptoms include using heat for stiffness, ice for swelling, hot baths and showers, ultrasound or gentle massage therapy, physical therapy, and a focus on lowering body weight to ease stress on joints.
What medications are used to treat ankylosing spondylitis?
Many types of medications are effective in managing the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). For most people, medication is necessary to reduce pain and stiffness. This allows the patient to begin and maintain a daily program of special stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as good posture habits, which are critical in the successful management of AS. Many medications approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis have been found to be helpful in treating AS. Your doctor will determine which medications are right for you.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat AS. However, NSAIDs may have the potential to increase the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes, and people with past or current heart disease, and those at serious risk of heart disease (such as people with diabetes), should ask their doctor before taking any of these medications.
Some NSAIDs can take several weeks to take effect. It is important to give the NSAIDs enough time to become effective. However, when NSAIDs do not control the pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of severe AS, a doctor may suggest other options for medication treatment.
Other medications that may be prescribed for AS include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and oral corticosteroids, or steroids. These medications are usually reserved for people who do not respond to or cannot tolerate NSAIDs.
Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) are another treatment option for people with AS. BRMs have been shown to be highly effective in controlling the symptoms of AS and slowing the progression of the condition. However, they are expensive and their role in treatment is still being defined.
What are other ways to manage ankylosing spondylitis?
Exercise plays an important role in an ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treatment plan. It’s important to talk to a doctor before beginning any exercise program. When designing a plan for physical activity, choose a convenient time of day that will make it easier to stick with a regular exercise routine. How intensely and how long you exercise may change from day to day, depending on how you feel. The important thing is to keep moving.
There is no specific diet for people with AS. However, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. Extra body weight means extra stress on the bones and joints, which can make AS worse. Ask your doctor or a dietitian about an eating plan to help you maintain a healthy weight.
How can Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy help?
It is important to find a pharmacy that understands the medications and treatments for ankylosing spondylitis. Our specially trained pharmacists join your treatment team, working together with your doctor and other healthcare providers, to support their services and help you get the most from your therapy.
To take advantage of Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy’s patient support services, call us toll free at 888-782-8443, or complete our online form.
Where can I find more information about ankylosing spondylitis?
The more informed you are, the better you can manage your health. The sites listed below are considered highly reliable.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
www.niams.nih.gov
Spondylitis Association of America
www.spondylitis.org
MedLine Plus – Ankylosing Spondylitis
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ankylosingspondylitis.html
Inclusion of resources on this list does not imply endorsement by Walgreen Co. or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. These resources should be used for general information and educational purposes only. Information provided by these resources should not replace necessary medical consultations with a qualified health or medical professional.
Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.