Treatment:

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.

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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.

Complications:

Damage of bone and cartilage can lead to fusing of joints in the spine or other areas, which can interfere with your ability to move. It can be extremely painful and crippling. The heart, lungs, and eyes may also become affected.

Complications include:

• Eye inflammation (uveitis)
• Heart valve disease, typically aortic valve stenosis
• Inflammation of the aorta
• Pulmonary fibrosis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis or if you have ankylosing spondylitis and new symptoms develop during treatment.