Ankylosing Spondylitis General treatment
 

The treatment for AS is targeted at better control of the disease process and relief in pain; rather than complete cure, which is not available as on now.

The treatment may be divided into three groups:

a. General treatment and Physiotherapy
b. Click for Homeopathic Treatment
c. Click for Conventional Treatment

a. General treatment (Physiotherapy) for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Physical therapy and exercise under care of a professionally trained physiotherapist is indicated. The patient and the immediate are taker may learn the skills and practice at home.

Physical therapy and exercise help improve posture, spine mobility and lung capacity. Physical therapy for Ankylosing spondylitis includes instructions and exercises to maintain proper posture. This includes deep breathing for lung expansion and stretching exercises to improve spine and joint mobility. Since ankylosis (fusion of vertebra) of the spine tends to cause forward curvature, patients are instructed to maintain erect posture as much as possible and to perform back extension exercises.
 

Patients are also advised to sleep on a firm mattress and avoid the use of a pillow in order to prevent spine curvature. Ankylosing spondylitis can involve the areas where the ribs attach to the upper spine as well as the vertebral joints, thus limiting lung breathing capacity. Patients are instructed to maximally expand their chest frequently throughout each day to minimize this limitation.
 

Exercise programs are customized for the individual patient. Swimming is preferred, as it avoids jarring impact of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis need not limit a patient's involvement in athletics. Patients can participate in carefully chosen aerobic sports when their disease is inactive.
Aerobic Exercise is generally encouraged as it promotes full expansion of the breathing muscles and opens the airways of the lungs.
 

Cigarette smoking is strongly discouraged in patients with Ankylosing spondylitis, as it can accelerate lung scarring and seriously aggravate breathing difficulties. Occasionally, patients with severe lung disease related to Ankylosing spondylitis may require oxygen supplementation and medications to improve breathing.
 

Patients may need to modify their activities of daily living and adjust features of the work-place.
For example, workers can adjust chairs and desks for proper postures. Drivers can use wide rearview mirrors and prism glasses to compensate for the limited motion in the spine.
 

Please note that above suggestions may not be indicated for every patient. It calls for individual case study to determine the exact treatment protocol.