Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Treatment in Tarlac

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced spinal mobility, and in severe cases, lead to fusion of the vertebrae. At Tarlac Medical Center, we provide comprehensive evaluation, medical management, and rehabilitative care to relieve symptoms, improve spinal flexibility, and maintain function.

Early recognition and treatment of AS are crucial to prevent long-term deformity, chronic pain, and functional limitations. Our multidisciplinary approach combines medical therapy, physiotherapy, and lifestyle interventions for optimal results.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of AS is unknown, but factors include:

• Genetic predisposition, particularly presence of the HLA-B27 gene
  • Family history of AS or other autoimmune diseases
  • Male gender (more commonly affected than females)
  • Age of onset typically between 15–45 years

Identifying risk factors helps with early diagnosis and preventive care.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Symptoms usually develop gradually and may include:

• Chronic lower back pain and stiffness, worse in the morning or after inactivity
  • Reduced spinal flexibility and difficulty bending or twisting
  • Hip, shoulder, or peripheral joint pain in some cases
  • Fatigue and general malaise
  • Postural changes in advanced stages (stooped posture)

Prompt evaluation is key to managing symptoms before permanent structural changes occur.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

At Tarlac Medical Center, AS is diagnosed through:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination focusing on spine mobility and posture
  • Laboratory tests including HLA-B27 antigen and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP)
  • Imaging studies such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to detect early sacroiliitis or vertebral changes
  • Functional assessment to evaluate flexibility, strength, and daily activity limitations

This ensures accurate diagnosis and guides a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment and Management

Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, maintain spinal flexibility, and prevent deformities:

1. Medications
   • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and stiffness
   • Biologic therapies such as TNF inhibitors or IL-17 inhibitors for moderate to severe cases
   • Corticosteroids for short-term flare-up management
   • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in specific situations
2. Physical Therapy and Exercise
   • Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to maintain spinal mobility
   • Postural training to prevent deformity
   • Breathing exercises to maintain chest expansion
3. Supportive Measures
   • Proper ergonomics and sleep positioning
   • Use of supportive devices if necessary to relieve pressure on joints
   • Heat therapy or low-impact aquatic exercises for pain relief
4. Surgical Intervention (if necessary)
   • Spinal osteotomy or joint replacement for severe deformity or advanced joint damage

Recovery and Long-Term Care

AS is a chronic condition requiring long-term management:

• Early-stage AS may stabilize with medications and physiotherapy
  • Moderate AS requires consistent therapy, monitoring, and lifestyle modification
  • Severe or advanced AS may need surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation

Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor disease activity, adjust treatment, and prevent complications.

Why Choose Tarlac Medical Center?

• Experienced rheumatologists, orthopedic specialists, and physiotherapists
  • Advanced diagnostic imaging and laboratory support
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to AS severity
  • Integration of medication, therapy, and lifestyle management
  • Private and comfortable care environment
  • Patient-centered approach focused on mobility, pain relief, and quality of life

AS is a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.