Other medications and treatments
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Occasionally, other drugs are sometimes used.
- A steroid injected directly into a badly inflamed joint is sometimes used to ease symptoms.
- Some drugs that are used to reduce joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis are sometimes tried. For example, sulphasalazine and methotrexate. They do not work as well as in rheumatoid arthritis, but may be considered when non-spine joints are affected. People who take these drugs need careful monitoring as there is a risk from serious side-effects. Research continues to clarify their role in AS. A specialist can advise on the up-to-date research relating to these drugs and when one should be used.
- Drugs called bisphosphonates have shown promising results in research trials. Further research is needed to clarify their role in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.
Other treatments
- TENS machines are sometimes used to ease pain. (These give tiny electrical currents into the affected area.)
- Heat, for example, a hot shower, may help to ease pain, particularly each morning.
- Some people find regular massage is soothing.
- About 1 in 20 people with AS need a hip replacement at some stage as a hip sometimes becomes badly affected. Rarely, surgery is needed to correct a severe spinal deformity.
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