AS Treatment: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Stay in Control

When you're dealing with ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain, stiffness, and over time, fusion of vertebrae. It's not just back pain—it's a full-body condition that can limit movement, disrupt sleep, and make daily tasks harder. Also known as radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, it doesn't go away, but it can be managed—especially if you know which treatments actually move the needle.

Most people start with NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or celecoxib that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. These are the first-line defense for a reason: they work for about 60% of people with AS treatment. But if they stop helping—or cause stomach issues—your next step is often biologics, targeted drugs like adalimumab or etanercept that block specific immune signals driving inflammation. These aren’t quick fixes, but they can stop disease progression and even reverse some damage if caught early.

Here’s the part most people miss: meds alone won’t keep you moving. physical therapy for spinal stiffness, a structured program of stretches, posture training, and low-impact exercises designed to maintain spine flexibility and prevent fusion, is just as critical as any pill. Studies show people who stick with daily movement routines have less pain, better function, and slower disease advancement than those who rely only on drugs. It’s not about lifting heavy weights—it’s about consistency: 20 minutes a day, every day, even on bad days.

You’ll also see posts here about how to track side effects from long-term use of steroids or biologics, how to avoid dangerous drug interactions when combining meds, and how to recognize early signs of complications like uveitis or osteoporosis. Some people with AS end up needing to switch meds multiple times—this collection gives you the real talk on what to watch for after each change. You’ll find practical tips on using a medication log to catch problems early, how to store injectables properly, and what to do if you miss a dose. And yes, there’s info on how AS affects other areas like the eyes, heart, and gut—because this condition doesn’t stay in your spine.

What you won’t find here are miracle cures or vague advice like "just stay active." You’ll get clear, actionable details: which exercises actually help, which NSAIDs are safest for long-term use, how often you should get bone density scans, and what questions to ask your rheumatologist before starting a new drug. This isn’t theory—it’s what people with AS are using right now to stay mobile, reduce flares, and live full lives without being defined by their diagnosis.