Premier Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatments with New Jersey’s Trusted Specialists
Living with ankylosing spondylitis can be challenging, but with the right care, a brighter, pain-free future is within reach.
At Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates (ARBDA), we help patients manage Ankylosing Spondylitis and other rheumatic diseases. Our compassionate team of Ankylosing Spondylitis specialists offers personalized care plans that help you regain control of your life.
We’re a trusted name in rheumatology and have been for over 50 years, serving the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. Our team includes renowned rheumatologists who work collaboratively to ensure each patient receives comprehensive care. From your initial physical exam to ongoing management, we are here to support you every step of the way.
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis primarily affecting the spine. In some cases, it can affect other areas, such as the sacroiliac joints and, less commonly, the peripheral joints. It causes inflammation of the spinal vertebrae that can lead to severe, chronic back pain. Over time, the affected spinal bones may fuse together in a process called ankylosis, which can further restrict movement.
Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Chronic back pain and stiffness: The joints between the spine and pelvis are often affected, causing pain in the lower back and buttocks. Since it’s usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, exercise may help relieve some of the pain.
- Fatigue: A common symptom due to the body’s response to inflammation.
- Inflammation in other parts of the body: This can include the eyes (uveitis), heart, and lungs.
- Reduced flexibility: As the disease progresses, the spine may become less flexible and affect posture.
Advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis
In advanced cases of ankylosing spondylitis, the joints can fuse together and cause the spine to become rigid and inflexible. This makes movements, like bending or twisting, painful or even impossible for some patients. Severe spinal fusion can also lead to a noticeable forward stoop, affecting posture and quality of life.
The effects of advanced AS can extend beyond the spine and cause other health problems. Inflammation may spread to the hips, shoulders, and chest wall, making breathing more difficult. It can even affect the eyes (uveitis), heart (aortic inflammation), or digestive system (related bowel conditions).
Protect Your Precious Spine with the Leading Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment in New Jersey
Your spine is literally the backbone of your body and the protection for your spinal cord. Ankylosing spondylitis is part of a family of inflammatory diseases that affects about 1% of the US population. AS is more often seen among male patients under the age of 40 who have a family history of chronic back pain.
If you are part of that one percent and are looking for ankylosing spondylitis treatment, your search ends here. With multiple locations in New Jersey, ARBDA has a rheumatologist specializing in Ankylosing Spondylitis ready to help you explore the best treatment options.
How can you get a definitive diagnosis?
Before AS treatment can start, you need an accurate diagnosis. This poses a challenge because AS requires a clinical diagnosis, meaning there is no single symptom, blood test, or X-Ray which will definitively prove you have AS.
But rheumatologists specializing in ankylosing spondylitis are specially trained in conducting tests and examining the multiple factors needed to establish a diagnosis, including:
- Medical history
- Family history
- Complete physical examination
- X-rays
- CT scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Blood tests (to determine how much inflammation is occurring and to assess the health of potentially affected organs)
Finding the Right Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctor in New Jersey
The right ankylosing spondylitis doctor can help you effectively manage your pain and take back control of your life.
Our team at ARBDA includes some of the best ankylosing spondylitis specialists in South Jersey and Philadelphia. We stay on the cutting edge of AS treatment options and rheumatology best practices. We also collaborate with physical therapists to provide a treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your health.
Misdiagnosis and Conditions with Similar Symptoms
Misdiagnosis is a common challenge for patients with AS, as its symptoms often mimic other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, or mechanical back pain. That’s why our board-certified rheumatologists believe that treating ankylosing spondylitis starts with a comprehensive assessment of your family medical history and other diagnostic tests.
What Are the Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis treatment can widely vary, depending on your symptoms. Symptoms of AS generally have an insidious onset and almost always include morning stiffness and moderate to severe back pain. What differentiates this type of back pain from other types (car accident injuries, for example) is that the pain gets better with movement and activity, while resting will exacerbate the symptoms.
Physical therapy is a common component treatment, as it improves spinal movement and daily function. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are almost always used in conjunction with physical therapy because many different NSAIDs have proved effective in reducing pain.
Your specific NSAID prescription will be based on what, if anything, has worked for you in the past as well as other risk factors. If NSAIDs or steroids, such as prednisone, fail to improve symptoms, second-line therapies (such as newer biological medicines) have proved effective for ankylosing spondylitis treatment.
Prognosis
The prognosis for many patients with AS is highly variable based on their particular disease presentation. The long-term goal in AS treatment is to help you preserve physical functioning and minimize downtime from symptoms while maximizing your quality of life.
Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis Made Easy with ARBDA
Living with ankylosing apondylitis can be challenging — but at ARBDA, we strive to make it easier through comprehensive support and education. Our treatment plans are designed to help you lead a fulfilling life despite your diagnosis. We offer strategies for pain relief and teach our patients how to practice good posture, stay active, and participate in regular physical therapy to manage symptoms and maintain mobility.
Trust ARBDA’s Ankylosing Spondylitis Specialists With Your Care
At ARBDA, our rheumatologists combine medical expertise with compassionate care to deliver the best treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis to manage and relieve pain associated with the condition. With over 50 years of experience, we’re proud to be a leading name in rheumatology in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Let us help you if you are living with: