Ankylosing Spondylitis Research
Potential Cures
Currently there is no cure for AS – but that just means one hasn’t been discovered yet. There are holistic treatments, medications and daily exercises to reduce and manage the pain. Biologic medicines called Tumor-Necrosis-Factor blockers (TNF-blockers) can potentially slow down or stop the progression of AS. Some remedies may be disappointing and others surprising. Simple strategies like daily exercise and attention to posture make a world of difference. Continue to educate yourself about different treatments, side effects and activity in medical research. For more information, go to our Treatments section.
Prognosis
The outlook for AS sufferers is on the positive side. Approximately nine out of 10 people with AS lead a normal, active life, are independent and experience little to no disabilities due to the pain, stiffness and inflammation associated with the disease (Patient UK).
Flares (acute symptomatic episodes followed by remission) occur chronically since AS is a life-long disease. Once the early stages of inflammation are behind you, the severity of these flare-ups may subside to a mild or moderate level. Of course the intensity of the disease’s activity varies from person to person without regard to age, race or gender.
On the other end of the scale, AS patients are more prone to back injuries since the spine is inherently more fragile due to the stiffness and potential bone fusion. Arthritic conditions rarely stray from the lower back and hips although inflammation in the eyes and other joints do occur.
Constant, in-depth research is being conducted by medical professionals, patients and the concerned public to find the “triggers” that bring on AS. So far no specific cause has been discovered by medical professionals or scientists, although an extensive range of alternative, unconventional and medicinal treatments are cropping up. With further research and constant exchange of information among all parties, a cure is definitely possible.
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