What department should I go to for ankylosing spondylitis?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Ankylosing spondylitis is an idiopathic systemic disease primarily characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial joints, mainly involving the sacroiliac joint. The typical onset age ranges from 10 to 14 years, and it is more common in males. It is not hereditary, but there is a familial predisposition. If there is a family history, and localized pain or discomfort is present, especially if there is difficulty turning over at night, stiffness after waking or after prolonged sitting or standing, which eases with activity, it is important to be alert. This condition falls under rheumatic immune diseases, therefore, it should be managed by a rheumatology immunology department, not orthopedics.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What should I do in the late stage of ankylosing spondylitis?

Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the axial joints, but it can also present with extra-articular manifestations. Severe cases can lead to ankylosis and deformities of the spine, which are complications of late-stage ankylosing spondylitis. At this stage, surgery is needed to manage the activity of the disease. If the activity of the disease is not controlled, even joint replacement can still lead to the progression of the disease and further damage to the joint structures. For severe disabling deformities, spinal orthopedic surgery can be considered, and spinal surgery is required when an acute fracture occurs.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What to do about ankylosing spondylitis pain?

The methods for treating pain in ankylosing spondylitis primarily include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets; secondly, biologics can be considered for pain relief, but before using biologics, it is necessary to rigorously rule out diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and tumors. During the painful periods of ankylosing spondylitis, patients are advised to rest appropriately to alleviate joint inflammation. However, after the pain subsides, it is recommended that patients engage in functional exercises to prevent complications such as further adhesion and stiffening of the spinal joints. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis hurt?

Ankylosing spondylitis primarily targets the axial joints, manifesting as a chronic autoimmune disease. The most common clinical symptoms include stiffness in the neck and pain in the lumbar and back regions, areas particularly associated with axial joint involvement, predominantly affecting the spine. Additionally, symptoms can also appear in areas outside of the joints, such as pain in the peripheral joints, heels, wrists, and shoulders. Moreover, some individuals may experience eye inflammation, including recurrent uveitis and corneal ulcers. While spinal pain, neck stiffness, and lumbar or back pain are the most commonly observed clinical manifestations, hip joint pain is also frequently noted.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How is ankylosing spondylitis treated?

The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis mainly consists of three parts: The first part is anti-inflammatory and pain relief. For anti-inflammatory pain relief, non-steroidal pain relief medications are commonly chosen, such as slow-release diclofenac sodium tablets and celecoxib capsules. The second part involves the selection of medications to control the disease. Common drugs used to control the condition include sulfasalazine, thalidomide, and methotrexate tablets. The third part includes the most effective, yet most expensive, treatment option: biological agents. Common biological agents used are tumor necrosis factor antagonists. However, before using biological agents, strict screening for diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and cancer is required. Only after excluding these conditions can the treatment with biological agents be considered.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Is ankylosing spondylitis serious?

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis, if treated actively in the early stages, the condition is not severe. However, if the patient continues to seek irregular and improper medical care, it is possible to develop severe complications such as kyphosis and spinal ankylosis. In severe cases, patients may even self-harm. Therefore, it is advised that patients with ankylosing spondylitis seek treatment early, before the onset of spinal ankylosis. The treatment plan mainly includes non-steroidal analgesics, such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, medications to control the condition, such as sulfasalazine tablets, and biologic treatments. With the above treatments, the condition of ankylosing spondylitis can be controlled. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)