Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment

Once a definitive diagnosis is established, a detailed explanation of the disease, including its implications, should be provided to the patient. Regular lifelong exercises comprise the mainstay of the treatment program. Adequate analgesics (painkillers) consisting of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), should be administered under supervision to control pain and stiffness and to allow the patient to continue exercising through pain. Other drugs, such as the tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonist group may also be used, as well as methotrexate and sulfasalazine. For more information, see Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Medications. Severe hip involvement may require hip replacement surgery. Spinal surgery may be required to treat complications of long-standing spinal disease.