Suggest treatment for ankylosing spondylitis
Patient: I am taking tests to see if I have ankylosing spondylitis. The doctor seems to think that I have it, as do I. Once he sees the results of my x-rays and its confirmed that I have ankylosing spondylitis, will I need to take off work for an extended period because my job is very physically demanding. I am pretty much on my feet all day and do a lot of bending and heavy lifting. Jason Doctor: Hi,Thanks for writing in.Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition causing pain and stiffness in the spine. This can cause spinal deformity and complications arising out of it. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are the first line of treatment for this condition. If the pain does not respond to this group of medications then stronger pain relievers are like naproxen are given.There is a new category of medications called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers and these have been known to help patients of ankylosing spondylitis. These include medications like Adalimumab, Etanercept, Golimumab and Infliximab.Other than the above, improvement in general living conditions can also be seen after physical therapy and surgery to release involved joints.