1. Take the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quiz
2. Myths and Facts About Back Pain

Medical Author:

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Currently, there is no definitive treatment of or cure for ankylosing spondylitis.

• Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn), are commonly used to decrease inflammation and pain.



• Aspirin has been shown to have limited benefit for people with ankylosing spondylitis.



• Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Deltasone or Orasone), are not used for long-term treatment because of the high risk of side effects.



• Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex) are effective in some people with affected extremities (peripheral involvement) with ankylosing spondylitis. Sulfasalazine is useful in people who also have inflammatory bowel disease.



• Patients with AS are thought to produce excessive amounts of the protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Drugs that block TNF, such as infliximab (Remicade) and etanercept (Enbrel), are also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis. These drugs target and may alter the disease process.



• Since some studies have suggested an association between AS and infection by certain bacteria, including enterobacteria, some patients have been treated with the antibiotic moxifloxacin and had good pain relief. However, this treatment is not yet widely used.

People with involvement of other systems should see the appropriate specialists (for example, an ophthalmologist for the eyes; a pulmonologist for the lungs; and a cardiologist for the heart). Those with a painful red eye should see an ophthalmologist immediately.

Genetic counseling and support groups are useful in further educating people about the disease and in predicting those who may be at increased risk.

For more information on support groups, see Web Links.

For more information on medications, see Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Medications.

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