What should you know about DMARDs and ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory form of axial spondyloarthritis that commonly affects the spine and the joints where tendons or ligaments attach. Joint stiffness, morning joint stiffness, back or buttock pain, and reduced range of motion may occur, although symptoms vary. Disease-modifying medicines are prescribed according to the joints involved, inflammation, previous treatments, other health conditions, and examination findings. They are not a substitute for movement and posture work.

Take prescribed medicine on schedule and attend requested blood tests or other monitoring. Tell the treating team about infections, new symptoms, pregnancy plans, and medicines or supplements you use. Regular exercise therapy can maintain spinal movement, strength, breathing mechanics, and function; physiotherapy can tailor this to your symptoms. Hydrotherapy may make movement easier when land-based exercise is uncomfortable. Do not stop a disease-modifying medicine without discussing it with the prescriber.

Contact your care team if pain, stiffness, or function is worsening despite treatment, or if medicine causes troublesome effects. Seek urgent advice for signs of a serious infection, severe allergic symptoms, new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden eye pain with light sensitivity or blurred vision. These symptoms need prompt assessment and may not be explained by routine disease activity.

Ask which medicine is being considered, what improvement to track, and which tests are needed before and during treatment. Discuss exercise therapy, physiotherapy, and hydrotherapy options, vaccine or infection precautions, and what to do if a dose is missed or symptoms flare.