Ankylosing spondylitis is an arthritic condition that causes pain and swelling in the vertebrae of the spine. Patients diagnosed with ankylosing arthritis may experience a range of symptoms, from general discomfort and stiffness in the back to debilitating back pain and limited range of motion. If left untreated, ankylosing spondylitis can result in severe pain and a decrease in quality of life.

If you have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, your next step is to find a treatment option that can help you recapture your normal lifestyle. The first step is to consult your physician to determine the cause of your ankylosing spondylitis and create a pain management system that fits your needs and your lifestyle. There are several treatment options available for ankylosing spondylitis, so be sure to research all of your options so you can make an informed decision about your spine care.

Conservative treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis should always begin with conservative treatment options to find pain relief. Sometimes, if your spine condition is mild, conservative treatment options can provide lasting pain relief and prevent you from pursuing a surgical treatment option. There are several spine and health care professionals who can assist you with conservative treatments for your ankylosing spondylitis.

The most common conservative treatments for ankylosing spondylitis include:

• Chiropractic care — A chiropractor can help alleviate the pain in your joints by realigning your vertebrae and relieving pressure from your joints through spinal manipulation. A chiropractor can also provide instruction for hot/cold compresses in between visits to help alleviate additional pain and stiffness in the back.

• Physical therapy — A physical therapist can help you strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine to help keep your vertebrae in alignment and relieve pressure from the joints. A physical therapist can also guide you through stretches that will lengthen your spine and alleviate the compression on your joints and vertebrae.

• Pain medication — A general physician can help prescribe you pain medication to reduce the pain caused by ankylosing spondylitis. The pain medication can be in the form of pills or spinal injections.

Conservative treatment options can be performed separately or in conjunction with one another. Consult your physician to help you find the best pain management routine for your needs. Report any pain or discomfort experienced during or immediately after these treatments.

If you do not respond to conservative treatments, you may want to research surgical options to treat the pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for spondylitis. Treatment options available aim to relieve the pain and symptoms of spondylitis. USA Spine Care does not offer treatment for spondylitis. However, if you have spondylitis, our care team can help you research alternative treatment options to help alleviate your chronic back pain and increase your mobility.

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