DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum ankylosing spondylitis

Unfortunately, my brother in law, who is 24 was just diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). If anyone knows some one who has the misfortune of having AS, or has knowledge of this disease, any info such as what to expect, treatment or just anything that could be helpful.thanks fellow dawg talkers.I have done some research on the net, but was wondering if someone had advice/info on a more personal level.

From what I can gather (AS) is Arthritis of thespine which resembles Rheumatiod Arthritis....Initial treatment would include strengthening & conditioning Exercise ,NSAIDs(Non Steriod Anti -Inflammatory drugs) to relieve pain & stiffness , Physical Therapy(maintain proper posture and enhance lung capicity and the use of Hot & Cold to control Pain , stiffness and inflamation issues) , Assistive Devices(Canes , Walkers) to reduce pain on joints , Yoga & acupuncture may be suggested as an alternative therapy....I gathered this information from Web MD....If this helps you can find further detailed information on the website....I hope this information helps Canadian Dawg....

Sorry to hear about that. I have it as well. It's manageable with medication and I go to PT when I need to. In my case though I also injured my spine so I have a pretty severe issue with pain and stiffness. I am fighting to get a trial of a spinal cord stimulator to help block the pain from traveling to my brain.

The big thing is he needs to work on correct posture or his posture could develop into a hunched over thing happening. It's very hard for me to do b/c it gives me a lot of pain, but I have to sit a certain way in the car or at work. Exercise is good too to prevent the bones from fusing and the joints/muscles from getting very stiff. Somedays it sucks, it really does, but you have to do it.
It's not the end of the world though and exercise, the medication, and doing the things your told will help keep the spine from perm, damage.

From what I understand, Enbrel works wonders for some people.