MEDICAL INSIDER
DR CORA LIM
JULY 16, 2023
Ankylosing Spondylitis
(Part 3)
Our July 9, 2023 issue of this column started
the discussion of some of the recommended
treatments for AS which included the
following: Exercise, Drug Treatments, and
Surgery.
As far as drug treatment is concerned, we
made mention of painkillers and NSAIDS;
disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
(DMARDS) like sulfasalazine; and biological
therapies.
In addition, we can also have the following
- Steroids: used as a short-term
treatment for flare-ups. They’re usually
given as an injection into a swollen joint. - Physiotherapy: a very important part of
the treatment. It’s especially important
to exercise your back and neck to avoid
them stiffening into a bent position
Another recommended treatment is surgery.
Bed rest is certainly not recommended, as
this will speed up the stiffening of your spine.
Other things one can do are: hot or cold
pads, use of a medium-firm bed, a hot bath
before going to bed, orthotics inside the
shoes if one’s heels or feet are affected, no
smoking, special attention to one’s posture,
and keeping pillows to a minimum.
You have to remember that if you have
ankylosing spondylitis, there’s a small
chance that your children will also develop it
(only 15%). So, if you think your child or
another relative might have ankylosing
spondylitis, ask them to see a rheumatologist
as soon as possible, as there’s a history of
ankylosing spondylitis in the family.