What injections are used for ankylosing spondylitis?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis have a genetic component?

Firstly, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disease that primarily affects the axial joints, and this disease is incurable. It can only be managed with medications to control the progression of the disease, delay the appearance of joint deformities, and reduce disability. This is the main purpose of its treatment. The cause of the disease is also unclear, and it is somewhat related to genetics. If parents have it, the incidence in their children is significantly increased, and there is a phenomenon of familial aggregation. It cannot be considered a hereditary disease, but there is indeed a phenomenon of familial aggregation. Moreover, the incidence of the disease in children is much higher than in families without a history of the disease.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Ankylosing Spondylitis Test Items

Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic disease of unknown cause, primarily characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial joints. It mainly affects the sacroiliac joints and leads to bony ankylosis, predominantly occurring in males, especially young males. The disease has a significant familial genetic tendency. The main symptoms are pain or discomfort in the lower back and back, typically occurring at night, accompanied by difficulty turning over. Stiffness is evident in the morning or after sitting for a long time, but symptoms may alleviate after physical activity. In young and middle-aged males showing these symptoms, ankylosing spondylitis should be suspected first. The main diagnostic methods include blood tests for HLA-B27, and imaging such as CT or MRI of the sacroiliac joints to detect any sacroiliitis. Diagnosis primarily relies on the combination of symptoms, HLA-B27 results, and sacroiliac joint CT findings.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does ankylosing spondylitis have a genetic component?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the axial joints. The onset is determined by both genetic and environmental factors, leading to the disease. This means that the disease exhibits a significant familial aggregation and genetic predisposition. If the parents have it, the incidence in their children is much higher than in others. However, it is definitely not a genetic disease; it just has familial clustering and genetic tendencies. If symptoms like stiffness in the neck or pain in the lower back intensify when at rest and decrease after activity, it is essential to use CT or MRI scans and test for HLA-B27 to check for damage or narrowing in the sacroiliac joints. Early diagnosis and early treatment are crucial to improve the prognosis of the condition.

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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.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Ankylosing Spondylitis Exercise Methods

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the axial joints and currently has no curative treatment. Its treatment includes general measures, medication, and surgery. General measures mainly involve abstaining from alcohol, quitting smoking, avoiding carbonated drinks and coffee, which can lead to osteoporosis. In addition, it is important to focus on exercise; functional exercises are a crucial part of its treatment. Regular activities such as swimming, walking, and running are recommended, and chest-expanding exercises can improve muscle rigidity. Moreover, it is advisable to sleep on a hard bed to keep the spine level. Swimming is the best form of exercise for patients with ankylosing spondylitis as it does not overload the joints while also enhancing the coordination and flexibility of the limb muscles.