Ankylosing spondylitis

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Bones of the spine

Cervical spondylosis

Rheumatoid spondylitis; Spondylitis; Spondylarthropathy; Seronegative bundle arthropathy

Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain.

Corticosteroid therapy or medications to suppress the immune system may also be prescribed. Drugs called TNF-inhibitors (etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab), which block an inflammatory protein, have been shown to improve the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

Some health care professionals use drugs that block cell growth (cytotoxic drugs) in people who do not respond well to corticosteroids or who are dependent on high doses of corticosteroids.

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Surgery may be done if pain or joint damage is severe.

Exercises can help improve posture and breathing. Lying flat on the back at night can help maintain normal posture.

The course of the disease is unpredictable. Symptoms may come and go at any time. Most people are able to function unless the hips are severely involved.

Rarely, people may have problems with the aortic heart valve (aortic insufficiency) and heart rhythm problems.

Some patients may have pulmonary fibrosis or restrictive lung disease.

Call your health care provider if:

• You have symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
• You have ankylosing spondylitis and develop new symptoms during treatment

Review Date: 05/13/2010
Reviewed By: Mark James Borigini, MD, Rheumatologist in the Washington, DC Metro area. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).