Ankylosing Spondylitis

When it comes to Ankylosing Spondylitis treatment, New Jersey spine surgeon Dr. Joshua Rovner has the comprehensive experience patients trust.

Managing Pain and Stiffness

As one of the states leading destinations for spine surgery & treatment in NJ, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a spinal condition that Dr. Rovner and his advanced surgical team treats. A type of arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, can lead to chronic back pain.

The Facts on Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an autoimmune disease much like some other types of arthritis. It causes stiffness, inflammation and pain that becomes progressively worse over time. It is quite common, affecting 2.4 million people. It is also more common in men than woman. Additionally it does run in families and while there is no cure, it is manageable.

The Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis of the spine and most often begins in early adult years. Much like arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis causes inflammation. This inflammation causes pain and stiffness. These symptoms will flare on and off. During severe episodes the pain and stiffness can be debilitating. Overtime, Ankylosing Spondylitis may also cause limited movement and fusion of the vertebrae and sacroiliac joints.

Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis is characterized not by curing the disease but by managing it. Through a combination of medication, physical therapy, and exercises pain and stiffness can be reduced and mobility can be restored. The medications used are not simply pain relievers to mask the pain.

In addition to pain relievers two other types of medication are used. Both immune suppressants and drugs known as TNF-alpha-blockers are pillars of Ankylosing Spondylitis management. In more severe cases surgery might be needed to manage a patient’s symptoms.

Living With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Since Ankylosing Spondylitis is not curable, patients will be living with the disease their entire lives. However, with the proper medical guidance Ankylosing Spondylitis patients can live relatively normal lives.

While most days Ankylosing Spondylitis patients will be able to manage their symptoms alone, should any of the following happen it is advised that they seek medical advice right away:

A Sudden worsening of pain and stiffness
Balance issues
Side effects of their medication
Difficulty walking or sitting for extended periods of time
Infections

As an autoimmune disease Ankylosing Spondylitis makes it so that its patients are more easily susceptible to illness. Any infection from influenza to the common cold should be reported to your doctor.

Your New Jersey Spine Surgeon for Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment

As an award-winning New Jersey spine surgeon, Dr. Joshua Rovner delivers comprehensive treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis, with non-surgical treatment is the best approach. Board certified to practice in New York and New Jersey, Dr. Joshua Rovner is among few spine surgeons in NJ with depth of experience and expertise for treatment of spinal conditions along with advanced and minimally-invasive spinal surgery. Schedule a consultation today and contact us.