Previous Section
Treatment Options for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Goals of Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis
The goals of treatment for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) include:
- Controlling symptoms associated with the condition
- Preventing progression of the disease
- Managing complications if they occur
- Maximizing the patient's functional abilities
- Maintaining the patient's quality of life
The basic management of ankylosing spondylitis consists of:
- Patient education
- Attention to posture
- Exercise
- Medications
- Surgery (in rare cases)
Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis may require a multidisciplinary group of health care professionals, including:
- Rheumatologist - a physician who specializes in treating patients with rheumatic diseases, particularly arthritis
- Physiatrist - a physician who specializes in physical medicine
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Vocational rehabilitation specialist
