Ankylosing Spondylitis
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the joints in the spine and can affect other joints as it progresses. Though there is no cure, pain and discomfort can be managed with a consistent treatment plan.
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as Bechterew disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that first affects the joints in the spine and can also involve the hips, knees, shoulders, and other joints. The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can range from mild to severe, and they may come and go.
If you have ankylosing spondylitis, we recommend you see your doctor regularly. You should also ensure you are doing your part to manage the condition, including taking your medications as prescribed, exercising regularly, and avoiding activities that may worsen your symptoms.
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms
Like many chronic conditions, the severity of ankylosing spondylitis can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and inflammation, though the most common are pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips.
Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, fever, anemia, eye inflammation, compression fractures, and heart problems.
There is not currently a cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms to improve your quality of life.
Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis
If you think you may have ankylosing spondylitis, make an appointment to see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse. With proper treatment, ankylosing spondylitis does not have to be a debilitating condition.
Ankylosing spondylitis treatment options often include medication to reduce pain and inflammation, physical therapy, and exercise. Surgery may be recommended in some rare cases.
How infusion therapy can help treat ankylosing spondylitis
Doctors often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as a first step in treating ankylosing spondylitis. These medications can help relieve inflammation, pain, and stiffness. However, they may not be effective enough to alleviate symptoms for all patients. In these cases, your doctor may recommend infusion therapy.
Common medications prescribed for infusion therapy to treat ankylosing spondylitis include:
- Simponi Aria (golimumab)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
If your doctor prescribes infusion therapy to treat your ankylosing spondylitis symptoms, our experienced, compassionate team can provide you with comfortable, convenient infusion therapy services.
Getting Started With Infusion Therapy
If you have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and infusion therapy is part of your treatment plan, your physician can easily send us a referral for you. If you have any questions, you can also contact us directly. We look forward to helping you soon.
Ankylosing spondylitis medications available at FlexCare Infusion Centers.
Simponi Aria • Remicade
How To Switch
Physician referral & paperwork
The first step is always a referral from your physician for infusion therapy services, including the specific medication and dosage for your condition.
Insurance approval & scheduling
We’ll work with your insurance company and your physician’s office to verify insurance approval for infusions and schedule your first appointment, typically with one week.
Experience infusion therapy re-imagined
We designed our stand-alone infusion centers with patient comfort in mind, including heated massage chairs, streaming services, and a well-stocked snack bar.