Shall we talk about the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?

When your doctor tells you that you have Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), you may feel a little scared and anxious. That fear may have increased when you hear, "There is no cure for this." But don't worry. It's true that there is no cure yet. However, not everyone living with this disease has the same experience. There are many treatments that can help you control your pain, reduce joint damage, and live a normal life. Let's talk about them today.

Medications used for treatment

It is important to start treatment as soon as possible for this disease. This will help control the damage to the joints caused by the disease. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of these medications.

NSAIDs (painkillers)

Simply put, these are medications that reduce pain and stiffness . They are often the first medications to start with. Not everyone is going to get the same type of NSAID, so it can take some time to find the right one for you. While these medications can help reduce pain, studies show that they don't stop the damage to the joints caused by the disease.

You can buy some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, at the pharmacy. However, if these don't help, your doctor may prescribe a stronger NSAID.

DMARDs (disease-modifying drugs)

These are long-term treatments. Your doctor may decide to start you on this type of medication if you don't feel enough relief from NSAIDs or if you have side effects. These block inflammation and prevent further damage to your joints.

• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
• Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

While taking this medication, your doctor will regularly perform blood tests to check your liver function and other complications.

Corticosteroids

These are synthetic steroids. They quickly reduce inflammation. They are known as prednisone or cortisone. They are used as pills, creams, or injections directly into the joint. However, these are short-term solutions, not long-term solutions . Your doctor may prescribe these eye drops to help with inflammation in the eyes, which is a common complication of AS.

Biologics

These are targeted therapies made from living cells. They can work very quickly and effectively in AS.

Anti-ulcer drugs

Sometimes AS can cause digestive problems, such as stomach pain and diarrhea. Medications such as misoprostol (Cytotec) or sucralfate (Carafate) can help protect the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Lifestyle Habits

Medication is only one part of the treatment. A little effort on your part can go a long way in helping you live well with this disease.

Stay active.

Exercise has been shown to be very beneficial for people with AS. It can reduce your pain, strengthen your muscles, and increase your flexibility . Exercising with a group is a good choice. Or you can do these things on your own.

• Swimming
• Walking
• Practicing correct posture
• Breathing exercises
• Stretching
• Weightlifting (Free weights)
• Yoga
• Tai chi

Healthy diet

Certain foods help reduce inflammation in the joints and improve bone health.

• Eat foods rich in calcium.
• Eat more fish, beans, nuts, and eggs.
• Limit red meat.
• Eat more Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods like salmon and flaxseed.
• Limit alcohol.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
• Reduce oily, processed, and fried foods.
• Talk to your doctor about taking a daily vitamin supplement.

Sun exposure

It has been found that AS patients have low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps protect our bones and keep them strong. Our bodies produce vitamin D when sunlight hits our skin. Therefore , it is very good to expose ourselves to sunlight for a short time every day in the morning .

Avoid smoking.

If you smoke, one of the best things you can do is try to quit today . Smoking can accelerate joint damage and make breathing more difficult. Ask your doctor about getting help to quit smoking.

Complementary and Other Treatments

These treatments, when combined with your medication and exercise, can further help relieve symptoms.

• Acupuncture: This should be done by a trained practitioner. This can help relieve pain.
• Massage: Studies have shown that massage can reduce pain, stiffness, and fatigue caused by AS.
• Hot and cold treatments: Hot baths and heating pads can help reduce pain and stiffness. Cold compresses, such as ice packs, can help reduce inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: It is very valuable to see a physical therapist and learn muscle strengthening and stretching exercises that are right for you.
• Talk Therapy: It is common to feel sad, anxious, or depressed when living with a long-term illness like this. At such times, it is very important to talk to a counselor and calm your mind.

Surgery

This is a very rare option for AS patients. Your doctor may recommend surgery only if you have severe pain that cannot be controlled with medication or if your back is severely arched and making it difficult to perform daily activities. Some of these surgeries include Laminectomy, Osteotomy, Spinal fusion, and Hip replacement. This will be decided after a thorough examination of your condition.

Ankylosing Spondylitis, AS, Back Pain, Joint Pain, AS Treatment, NSAIDs, Biologics, Physical Therapy, AS Sinhala