AS Treatment: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to Stay Safe
When it comes to AS treatment, the management of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine. Also known as ankylosing spondylitis, it’s not just back pain—it’s stiffness that locks up your spine over time, and it demands more than just ibuprofen. Many people start with over-the-counter painkillers, but if those don’t cut it, you’re likely heading into a world of prescription drugs, physical therapy, and sometimes biologics that target your immune system directly.
NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or celecoxib. Also known as anti-inflammatories, it’s the first line of defense for most people with AS. They work fast, but they’re not a cure. Long-term use can wreck your stomach or kidneys, so doctors watch you closely. If NSAIDs stop working or cause side effects, the next step is often biologics, targeted drugs like adalimumab or etanercept that block specific inflammatory proteins. Also known as TNF inhibitors, they’re expensive, require injections, and need screening for infections like TB before starting. These aren’t magic bullets—they help about 60% of people, but not everyone responds, and some lose effectiveness over time. Then there’s physical therapy, a non-drug approach focused on posture, mobility, and strengthening the muscles that support your spine. Also known as exercise therapy, it’s the one thing every expert agrees on: if you skip movement, your spine will fuse faster. No pill replaces stretching, swimming, or yoga. And yet, many patients are never referred to a physiotherapist.
What you won’t find in most AS treatment guides are the hidden risks—like how a simple infection or even a flu shot can trigger a flare, or how some biologics increase the chance of serious skin or nerve conditions. You also won’t hear much about how diet, sleep, and stress play a role, even though studies show people who manage these well have fewer flares. This collection of articles doesn’t just list drugs. It shows you what actually works in real life, what to watch out for, and how to talk to your doctor so you’re not just treated—you’re truly managed.
Below, you’ll find clear comparisons of the most common AS treatments, real stories from people who’ve been through them, and warnings about what to avoid—like skipping physical therapy because you’re too tired, or assuming a new supplement will replace your prescription. This isn’t theory. It’s what works when the pain won’t quit and your spine is fighting back.
