MEDICAL INSIDER
DR CORA LIM
JULY 9, 2023

Ankylosing Spondylitis

(Part 2)

We started our discussion of Ankylosing
spondylitis (AS) in our July 2, 2023 issue of
this paper. We said that AS is a type of
arthritis that mainly affects the back. It’s one
of a group of inflammatory conditions,
referred to as spondyloarthritis.
As far as diagnosis of AS is concerned, we
can say that there is no specific test that will
confirm that you have ankylosing spondylitis.
Diagnosis involves piecing together:

  • The history of your condition
  • A physical examination
  • C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte

sedimentation rate (ESR) which may show
inflammation
• X-rays can sometimes help to confirm the
diagnosis; however it used to be normal in
the early stages

  • MRI scans may show the typical changes
    at an earlier stage of the disease
  • Blood test for HLA-B27 gene

What are some of the recommended
treatments for AS?

The following are some of the recommended
treatments for AS: Exercise, Drug
Treatments, and Surgery.

A. Exercise and close attention to your
posture

B. Drug treatments which would include:

  1. Painkillers and NSAIDS are usually
    the first choice of treatment,
    tablets/gels
  2. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
    (DMARDS) like sulfasalazine.They are
    slow-acting so you won’t notice an
    immediate impact on your condition, but
    they can make a big difference to your
    symptoms over a period of time
  3. Biological therapies (anti-TNF drugs or
    anti IL 17) are effective treatments.
    Your rheumatologist would guide you if
    you need them. (To be continued)