Ankylosing Spondylitis Health Center

There is no cure for AS, but there are several treatments. Usually physical therapy and exercise are used heavily because they help to reduce pain and stiffness. There are several medications used for pain relief, primarily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) and COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex). Opiate painkillers may be required in cases of extreme pain. Immunosuppressant drugs such as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS; cyclosporine, methotrexate) and corticosteroids help reduce inflammation, as do biologic drugs (TNF-alpha blockers; Enbrel, Remicade, Simponi, Humira). Surgery may be considered when symptoms are severe (knee and hip replacement, back surgery to straighten the spine).