What can I do about Ankylosing Spondylitis arthiritis?

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I have Ankylosing Spondylitis arthiritis in my hip and I am looking too find a cure/medicine to treat it.
There is no cure to AS, but you can control it.

You'll have to see a rheumatologist to find out which anti-inflammatory fits you...sulfasalazine, indomethacin, biologics, etc.

The best thing you can do is to stretch and stay as flexible as you can. I normal spend time in the hot tub and the steam room. I stretch sitting down with legs out and stretch past my toes now.

If you can swim laps without any problems or pain, then it's great...there's a bunch of AS guys at our pool swimming. I walk in the pool with water weights in all different ways ~ forward, backward, cross country skiiing, sideways, then twisting the spine gently, then side to side stretching your arms out.

These links claim to cure or control it.

http://www.ankylosingspondylitishelp.com/?gclid=CKrD5NXEwJwCFRkpawodtz7Lmw

http://ankylosingspondylitiscure.com/app/default.asp  (+ info)

What are some good exercises to help relief back-pain with ankylosing spondylitis?

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I have ankylosing spondylitis and was taking enbril but due to insurance issues can no longer afford it what are some exercises I can do to keep on top of my lower back inflammation?
Here are two good back exercises that should help you get some relief. The second one you can do all the way to the end of your tailbone if you want:
Back:
Place your left hand on your left knee. Place your right hand over your left shoulder and with your fingertips find the muscle next to your spine. Press on it and hold. Relax, take a deep breath and exhale and don’t tense up any part of your body. After about 30 seconds there should be a release happening and when it does slowly lower yourself forward onto your right leg. If you can lean over the outside edge of your leg it will be better for your release. Continue holding for a total of one minute. Then release but rest your body there for one minute longer. Then reverse and do the right side.
For lower back, on the buttocks:
Put both hands behind your back and place them on the muscles alongside your spine and press on them and hold. Now relax, take a deep breath and exhale and don’t tense up any part of your body. When the release starts to happen, slowly lower yourself forward as far as you can go. Then release the pressure but hold your body there for one minute longer.  (+ info)

Why do so few posts mention eliminating nightshades to reduce the "flares" of ankylosing spondylitis?

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Why do so few posts mention eliminating nightshades (potato, tomato, eggplant, beansprouts and peppers) as a non-invasive way of reducing the effects of ankylosing spondylitis? Further, why are anti-inflamitory foods so rarely mentioned? Combining the two "treatments" has made the difference between existing and liveing for me.
I agree. please site the evidence to support your side. And alternative medical sites are acceptable for my examination.I believe in alternative treatment and always want to learn.  (+ info)

What is the sure cure for ankylosing spondylitis?

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I would like to know what is sure treatment for ankylosing spondylitis pls
No cure is known for AS, although treatments and medications are available to reduce symptoms and pain.
Physical therapy and exercise, along with medication, are at the heart of therapy for ankylosing spondylitis. Physiotherapy and physical exercises are clearly to be preceded by medical treatment in order to reduce the inflammation and pain and are commonly followed by a physician. This way the movements will help in diminishing pain and stiffness, while exercise in an active inflammatory state will just make the pain worse.
Medical professionals and experts in AS have widely speculated that maintaining good posture can reduce the likelihood of a fused or curved spine which occurs in a significant percentage of diagnosed persons. [24][25]
[edit]Medication
There are three major types of medications used to treat ankylosing spondylitis.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, which include NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indometacin, naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors, which reduce inflammation, and consequently pain. These drugs tend to have a personal response to the pain and inflammation, although commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs like nimesulide are less effective than others. Opioid analgesics have also been proven by clinical evidence to be very effective in alleviating the type of chronic pain commonly experienced by those suffering from AS, especially in low dose time-release formulations. While NSAIDs should generally be tried first, the use of opioid analgesics either apart from or in concert with NSAIDs should not be summarily dismissed for fear of addiction, as studies have shown that patients who properly take opioid analgesics for pain rarely suffer from addiction as a result of using such opioid therapy for pain relief purposes.
DMARDs such as cyclosporin, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and corticosteroids, used to reduce the immune system response through immunosuppression;
TNFα blockers (antagonists) such as etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab (also known as biologics), are indicated for the treatment of and are effective immunosuppressants in AS as in other autoimmune diseases;
TNFα blockers have been shown to be the most promising treatment, slowing the progress of AS in the majority of clinical cases. They have also been shown to be highly effective in treating not only the arthritis of the joints but also the spinal arthritis associated with AS. A drawback is the fact that these drugs increase the risk of infections. For this reason, the protocol for any of the TNF-α blockers include a test for tuberculosis (like Mantoux or Heaf) before starting treatment. In case of recurrent infections, even recurrent sore throats, the therapy may be suspended because of the involved immunosuppression.
[edit]Surgery
In severe cases of AS, surgery can be an option in the form of joint replacements, particularly in the knees and hips. Surgical correction is also possible for those with severe flexion deformities (severe downward curvature) of the spine, particularly in the neck, although this procedure is considered risky.
In addition, AS can have some manifestations which make anaesthesia more complex.
Changes in the upper airway can lead to difficulties in intubating the airway, spinal and epidural anaesthesia may be difficult owing to calicification of ligaments, and a small number have aortic regurgitation. The stiffness of the thoracic ribs results in ventilation being mainly diaphragm-driven, so there may be a decrease in pulmonary function.
[edit]Physical therapy
All physical therapies must be approved in advance by a rheumatologist, since movements that normally have great benefits to one's health may harm a patient with AS; massages and physical manipulations should be practiced by therapists familiar with this disease. Some of the therapies that have been shown to benefit AS patients include:
Physical therapy/Physiotherapy, shown to be of great benefit to AS patients;
Swimming, one of the preferred exercises since it involves all muscles and joints in a low gravity environment;
Slow movement muscle extending exercises like stretching, yoga, tai chi, Pilates method, etc.
Moderate-to-high impact exercises like jogging are generally not recommended or recommended with restrictions due to the jarring of affected vertabrae that can worsen pain and stiffness in some patients.
[edit]Starch-free diet
The majority of patients with AS exhibit the HLA-B27 antigen and high levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the blood. The HLA-B27 antigen is also expressed by Klebsiella bacteria, which is found in high levels in the feces of AS patients. A theory suggests that the presence of the bacteria may be a trigger of the disease, and reducing the amount of starch in the diet (which the bacteria require to grow) may be of benefit to AS patients. A test of this diet resulted in reduced symptoms and inflammation in patients with AS as well as IgA levels in individuals with and without AS.[26]  (+ info)

are there any support groups for people with ankylosing spondylitis?

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I would like to know if anyone suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, what are the stages, and what is the outcome for anyone who is suffering from severe ankylosing spondylitis.
Here are some places to look:

http://www.kickas.org/
http://www.spondylitis.org/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ankylosing_spondylitis/
http://arthritis.about.com/od/asnews/Ankylosing_Spondylitis_Support_Groups_Online_Forum_Chat_Room.htm  (+ info)

What are the test called to see if you have Ankylosing Spondylitis?

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I have researched what Ankylosing Spondylitisis. Is But how do I tell my doctor what to test me for. Is there a certain test that should be ran, or would I tell her I think i have Ankylosing Spondylitisis.
Ankylosing spondylitis - Signs and symptoms

Your condition may change over time, with symptoms getting worse, improving or completely stopping at any point. Early signs and symptoms may include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips — which is often worse in the morning, at night and after periods of inactivity. Over time, the pain and stiffness may progress up your spine and to other joints, such as those in your hips, shoulders, knees and feet.

In advanced stages, the following signs and symptoms may develop:

Restricted expansion of your chest
Chronic stooping
Stiff, inflexible spine
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Eye inflammation (iritis)
Bowel inflammation

When to seek medical advice

See your doctor if you have symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Also contact your doctor if you're being treated for the disease and new signs and symptoms develop.

Good luck.
DS  (+ info)

I have Ankylosing Spondylitis What can I do to relieve the thoracic and rib contractions?

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My pain is so bad in my thoracic area I just can't bare the pain. The contractions won't stop. The doctors won't do anything. It is the weekend and I don't know what to do. Is this fusion? Please help
You may need to go to the ER and get some pain relief and make sure your condition hasn't gotten worse.  (+ info)

Is there anyone out there diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis?

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What is your long term prognosis? I've just been diagnosed with it and am wondering about it.
oh man! is it your back?? I don't have that or know anyone how has been diagnosed with it....I have been told that I have degenerative disc disease, so I kinda sorta know your pain (literally) _exercise, stop smoking, take the anti inflams. gzz good luck Mr.Lucky-dagger ;)
Hey guess what I quit smoking (only cause my body rejects it now*)
I know you can do it!!
Email me if you ever need to talk!  (+ info)

What is the difference between Infectious Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis in symptoms?

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I have arthritis that has fused my SI joints, and had to also get both my hips replaced due to degeneration of the joint. I thought I had AS. But the tests did not come Positive, but that also is common with people with AS. How can I tell if I have AS or if it could be an Infectious Arthritis? I have had my condition since I was 15yrs
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec05/ch065/ch065c.html

infectious arthritis... ABOVE link....

http://www.medicinenet.com/ankylosing_spondylitis/article.htm

for the other...you can read about the symptoms there...  (+ info)

Is there anyone reading this that may have the auto immune diseases Ankylosing Spondylitis or Reiter's ?

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Reiter's syndrome is now often renamed as Reactive
Arthritis. If you live in Northern California and would
be interested in a support group for those suffering and
their loved ones that need understanding or support..
Please respond.
Yes, I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and my son has Reiter's. My mom also had Inflammatory Bowel (Ulcerative Colitis). All three are a part of the same HLA-B27 genetic disease, the other being psoriasis. I do live in NC and would like to know what support group you are referring to. Thanks.  (+ info)

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