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Rehabilitation

Anklyosing spondylitis

09/24/2008

Question:

Hi, I was seeking help with pain management when my AS had flaired up in my lower back. Gradually as the AS went into remission, my pain levels lowered. Both of my parents have AS and are elderly faced with disability from spinal fusion.

If I no longer have pain, do I need the therapy? Or, do I wait until the flair-ups begin again. They happen about twice a year and last for about 2-3 months.

Answer:

There are some things you can do once the pain is gone to decrease secondary problems. For example, pain can cause muscles in your spine to weaken. If the muscles remain weak, then degenerative changes can happen faster. It only takes a couple of therapy visits to learn what you need to prevent problems like this from worsening.

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Response by:

Tammy S Wadsworth, PT MS OCS Tammy S Wadsworth, PT MS OCS
Sports Medicine Team Member
Clinical Instructor at The School of Allied Medical Professions
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University