Can ankylosing spondylitis be cured?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 03, 2024
00:00
00:00

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, primarily characterized by the involvement of the axial joints. This disease cannot be cured, but its progression can be controlled through medication to delay joint deformity, improve quality of life, and reduce disability rates, which are also the goals of treatment. Middle-aged or young males experiencing stiffness in the neck or pain in the lower back should seek comprehensive examinations, early diagnosis, and treatment as soon as possible.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
52sec home-news-image

What is the ESR level in ankylosing spondylitis?

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis, if not well controlled, can exhibit elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR). An ESR higher than 20 mm per hour indicates elevation, suggesting poor disease control. At such times, it is necessary to utilize non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. Additionally, medications that control the condition should also be used, like sulfasalazine tablets and thalidomide, among others. While biological agents, commonly tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, offer the best treatment effectiveness, they are also the most expensive. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 34sec home-news-image

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), where "A" stands for fusion and "S" for spine, refers to the condition where the bones and joints of the spine are fused together. Ankylosing Spondylitis is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton and major limb joints. It is characterized by fibrosis and ossification of the intervertebral discs’ annulus fibrosus and nearby connective tissues, as well as ankylosis (stiffening) of the joints. It presents as a sterile inflammation occurring in the spine. However, it is not solely limited to the spine as it also involves the axial bones and major limb joints. The pathological hallmark of the disease includes inflammation mainly at the sacroiliac joints and points of attachment to the spine, leading to joint stiffness and calcification of the spinal ligaments and joints. The disease progression begins at the sacroiliac joint, spreading upwards through the entirety of the spine, and eventually stops at the cervical vertebrae. Symptoms start with pain in the early stages, followed by restricted mobility in the intermediate phase, and ultimately leading to deformities of the abdomen and back, culminating in severe hunchback. The exact cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis remains unclear, with various theories proposed but none universally accepted. Additionally, it is categorized under rheumatologic and immunologic disorders.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
47sec home-news-image

Does ankylosing spondylitis spread by contagion?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown cause, primarily affecting the axial joints, mainly involving the sacroiliac joints, and commonly occurring in young and middle-aged males. The symptoms of this disease are severe, progress rapidly, and there is a genetic predisposition, but it is not a contagious disease and does not have infectivity. If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis also contracts another infectious disease, it is because the other disease is infectious, not because ankylosing spondylitis is. It belongs to autoimmune diseases and cannot be cured, but can only be managed with medication to delay the onset of joint deformity.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
1min 8sec home-news-image

What medicine is used for ankylosing spondylitis?

The medication for ankylosing spondylitis mainly involves three aspects. The first is non-steroidal pain-relief medications, commonly including drugs like sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. The second involves drugs that control the condition, commonly using medications like sulfasalazine and thalidomide. The third, which is currently the most effective, involves treatment with biologics. Common biologics include tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. However, before using biologics, it is crucial to rigorously rule out complications such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and tumors. Only after excluding these conditions should one consider using biologics. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis should also pay attention to appropriate functional exercises in daily life to prevent the stiffening of spinal joints. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, based on the specific situation.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
1min 16sec home-news-image

What injections are used for ankylosing spondylitis?

Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease primarily characterized by the destruction of axial joints, a chronic condition that can also manifest peripheral joint lesions. Currently, there are no definitive cures, meaning long-term medication is necessary to alleviate symptoms, control disease progression, delay joint deformity, reduce disability, and improve quality of life. This constitutes the overall goal of treatment. The preferred treatments are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and biologic agents. However, before using biologic agents, it is essential to complete routine blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, screenings for infectious diseases, and tuberculosis. After excluding infections, tuberculosis, and tumors, biologic agents can be administered. During the use of biologic agents, there is a risk of reduced immunity, making it easy to contract infections. Therefore, it is important to avoid getting cold, overwork, and to regularly recheck routine blood parameters, liver, and kidney functions.