What are the treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the spine and sometimes other joints. Treatment aims to reduce pain and stiffness, preserve spinal and hip movement, support posture, and maintain participation in daily activities. The plan may change when symptoms or examination findings change.

Anti-inflammatory medication may reduce pain and stiffness, but suitability depends on your health, other medicines, and monitoring needs. Physiotherapy can teach posture, breathing, mobility, and strengthening work. Exercise therapy provides a structured routine, while hydrotherapy uses warm water to make movement more comfortable when land-based exercise is difficult.

Keep moving within a comfortable range and avoid long periods in one position. A programme may include spinal mobility, hip movement, chest expansion, strengthening, and aerobic activity adapted to your ability. A physiotherapist can help you practise safely and modify exercises during a flare.

Take prescribed medication as directed and tell your clinician about stomach symptoms, changes in vision, skin or bowel symptoms, or other new concerns. Regular reviews help assess pain, function, posture, and whether the current plan remains suitable.

Contact your care team if pain or stiffness is steadily worsening, sleep is repeatedly disrupted, or you are losing movement or function despite following the plan. Seek urgent medical help for new weakness, numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, a painful red eye with light sensitivity, or sudden severe pain after an injury.

Ask which medication is appropriate for you, what monitoring it needs, and which exercises should continue during a flare. You may also ask whether hydrotherapy is suitable and how often your posture, mobility, and symptoms should be reviewed.