Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Be Completely Cured?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory disorder affecting the spine and over time causes the vertebrae in the spine to fuse. This results in the spine losing its flexibility and cause the affected individual to have a hunched forwards posture. Person may also have breathing difficulties in case the ribs get affected due to Ankylosing Spondylitis. This condition is seen to occur more in males than in females.

The symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis can be observed very early into adulthood of the individual, usually during the second or third decade of life. In some cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis, the eyes of the individual also get affected causing vision disturbances. As of now, there is no known cause for Ankylosing Spondylitis although there is some genetic predisposition at play in the development of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Individuals with gene HLA-B27 are at most risk for development of Ankylosing Spondylitis even though there are very few cases of individuals with this gene developing Ankylosing Spondylitis.

The most pertinent question that every individual diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis asks whether he or she can be cured of this condition. This article gives a brief overview of whether Ankylosing Spondylitis can be completely cured.

As of now, there is no cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis. The treatment is usually symptomatic and supportive. Dietary and lifestyle modifications tend to help with flares of inflammation and pain. Symptomatic treatment also delays the progression of the disease and fusion of the spine. An individual with Ankylosing Spondylitis is asked to be active and make exercise as a part of his or her routine. The patient may also be given pain medications in the form of NSAIDs like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

The patient will also be referred to physical therapy to increase flexibility, mobility, and strength of the spine. Hydrotherapy is yet another novel way of treating Ankylosing Spondylitis. Apart from these symptomatic methods, the only other form of treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis is supportive.

In conclusion, the answer to the question as to whether Ankylosing Spondylitis can be completely cured is NO. This is a condition which can only be treated supportively and symptomatically with medications, exercise, and physical therapy.

Other than that, certain lifestyle and dietary modifications can also help keep flares of this condition in check. Other than this, there is no treatment that can completely cure Ankylosing Spondylitis.

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• Which Foods Are Beneficial For Ankylosing Spondylitis
• 5 Common Myths and Facts Surrounding Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Can Yoga Help with Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
• Self-care Tips for Ankylosing Spondylitis