Medical treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Indomethacin is most effective, while sulfasalazine may benefit those with more severe involvement. Peripheral joint arthritis may respond to methotrexate. Rehabilitation therapies are essential. Proper sleep and walking positions, coupled with abdominal and back exercises, help maintain posture.
Exercises help maintain joint flexibility.
Breathing exercises enhance lung capacity, and swimming provides aerobic exercise. Continuing care is critical. AS is a lifelong problem, and people often fail to continue treatment, in which case permanent posture and mobility losses occur. AS Rheumatologists are uniquely educated to diagnose and treat AS and can also serve as educators to other physicians and patients about this disease. Rheumatologists in basic and clinical research are the leaders in improving our understanding and treatment of this disease.