Ankylosing Spondylitis Medications

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The treatment for ankylosing spondylitis typically includes medications aimed at managing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving mobility. Here is an overview of the common medications used to treat ankylosing spondylitis:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

• NSAIDs are often the first-line treatment for ankylosing spondylitis to relieve pain and inflammation. Commonly used NSAIDs include:
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Indomethacin
• How They Help: NSAIDs work by reducing the inflammation in the joints, helping to decrease pain and morning stiffness, which are common symptoms of AS.
• Side Effects: Prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal issues (e.g., ulcers), kidney problems, and cardiovascular risks.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

• DMARDs are used for ankylosing spondylitis when NSAIDs are insufficient. Common DMARDs include:
  • Methotrexate
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Leflunomide 
• How They Help: These drugs help to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression by targeting the immune system’s response that causes inflammation in the joints.
• Side Effects: DMARDs can cause side effects like liver damage, nausea, and an increased risk of infections.

Biologic Medications

• Biologic drugs, such as TNF inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors, are used for moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis that does not respond to NSAIDs or DMARDs. Some of the most common biologics include:
  • TNF inhibitors: Adalimumab (Humira), Etanercept (Enbrel), Infliximab (Remicade), and Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
  • IL-17 inhibitors: Secukinumab (Cosentyx) and Ixekizumab (Taltz)
• How They Help: Biologic medications target specific proteins in the immune system, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukin-17 (IL-17), which play a key role in the inflammation associated with AS. These medications are highly effective in reducing inflammation, improving mobility, and preventing joint damage.
• Side Effects: Biologic medications may increase the risk of infections, including tuberculosis, and can have other side effects such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and fatigue.

Pain Medications

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or opioids, may be prescribed to help manage severe pain.
• Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol can be used to alleviate muscle spasms that often occur with AS.
• How They Help: These medications provide short-term pain relief, helping individuals manage acute pain or muscle stiffness.

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be used for short-term relief of acute inflammation or flare-ups. They are not typically used for long-term treatment due to potential side effects.
• How They Help: Corticosteroids are highly effective in reducing inflammation and pain but are generally used only for flare-ups or when other treatments are not effective.

While medications such as NSAIDs, biologics, and pain relievers are crucial in managing ankylosing spondylitis, Curapod can serve as a complementary therapy to enhance symptom management, particularly for pain relief, muscle stiffness, and inflammation.

Curapod uses electrical stimulation to help relax muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and improve circulation in the affected areas, such as the spine and sacroiliac joints. By providing non-invasive relief from discomfort, Curapod can enhance the effectiveness of medications, physical therapy, and other traditional treatments. It helps individuals with ankylosing spondylitis to improve their mobility and reduce reliance on oral medications for pain relief.

References

1. Mayo Clinic, 2022. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352477 [Accessed 16 February 2025].
2. American College of Rheumatology, 2022. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/Practice-Tools/Diseases-and-Conditions/Ankylosing-Spondylitis [Accessed 16 February 2025].
3. Spine-Health, 2022. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Available at: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/ankylosing-spondylitis [Accessed 16 February 2025].