Response:

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by damage to the sacroiliac joints, spine, and lower limb joints, often accompanied by enthesitis (inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bone). The disease progresses slowly, leading to joint fusion, reduced spinal flexibility, loss of normal physiological posture, and impaired mobility and quality of life.

Currently, many treatment methods exist for ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment proves most effective in the stage of the disease not yet clearly visible on X-ray images, including:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) serve as the first choice prescribed for patients with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing pain and/or joint stiffness. Doctors may use them for extended periods if inflammation persists.

Doctors prescribe local corticosteroid injections for cases of persistent inflammation at entheses or peripheral joints.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) calm the immune system to reduce inflammation and pain, slowing disease progression and preventing joint damage.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs are indicated for persistently active disease forms. Patients with axial ankylosing spondylitis, for example, can receive anti-TNF treatment combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Those who respond poorly to an initial anti-TNF drug may switch to a second one.

Monoclonal antibodies represent an advanced biological method for treating ankylosing spondylitis when patients do not respond to NSAIDs or anti-TNF drugs. This treatment blocks the effects of proteins involved in the inflammatory process, directly targeting the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis.

A doctor consults a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition, and no current treatment can completely cure it. Doctors combine various methods to control pain and inflammation, prevent joint fusion and spinal deformity, maintain spinal flexibility, and improve patients' quality of life.

You should visit a multi-specialty hospital for consultation and treatment, especially if considering monoclonal antibody treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, as it requires strict protocols for prescribing biological drugs.

In addition to medication, physical therapy can help reduce pain, increase mobility, and support the spine in patients. This also improves posture, chest expansion, and respiratory function. Physical therapy and rehabilitation specialists develop specific exercise plans for patients, including hydrotherapy, heat therapy combined with daily stretching and muscle-strengthening exercises.

Master of Science, Doctor Diep Xuan Hoang

Department of Musculoskeletal,

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi