Ankylosis, or ankylosing spondylitis, is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease that does not heal on its own.
Ankylosing spondylitis may affect daily life. Prompt and proper treatment can reduce the risk of serious deformities of the spine and joints. The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is mainly to control pain and slow down the progression of the disease, mainly general treatment, physiotherapy, medication and surgery.
1. General treatment: avoid strenuous exercise; eliminate fear and adhere to regular treatment.
2. Physiotherapy: pulse magnetic therapy, etc.
3. Drug therapy: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac can be used to relieve pain; glucocorticoid can be used for extra-articular symptoms or intractable pain treatment; palliative drugs such as sulfasalazine or methotrexate can be used to relieve the condition. Tumor necrosis factor and other drugs can also be used. The use of drugs must follow the doctor’s instructions.
4. Surgical treatment: refractory pain or joint disability, etc. There is evidence to support the feasibility of surgical treatment.
Complications in the later stages of ankylosing spondylitis are more serious and should not be blindly expected to be self-cured. It is necessary to adhere to the treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor in order to improve the quality of life.