Life with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be challenging, but the key is finding support. You may be the one with the condition, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go through management and treatment alone.
Here’s who should be on your AS healthcare team, and what you should look for in each specialist.
Rheumatologists have extensive training in the treatment of all types of arthritis. Continuing education keeps them informed of the latest research and advances in treatment.
Your rheumatologist will take the lead in your AS treatment plan. Treatment goals are reducing inflammation, reducing pain, and preventing disability. Your rheumatologist will also refer you to other specialists as needed.
You want a rheumatologist who:
When seeking a new rheumatologist or any type of medical doctor, here are a few key things to look for:
Your rheumatologist will spearhead your AS treatment, but you shouldn’t neglect other aspects of your healthcare. That’s where a general practitioner comes in.
You want a general practitioner who:
Both your rheumatologist and general practitioner can refer you to other specialists as needed.
Within your doctor’s practice, you might also have occasion to meet with nurses or physician assistants (PAs). PAs practice medicine under direct supervision of a physician.
Physiatrists and physical therapists help with managing pain, building strength, and increasing flexibility.
A physiatrist is a medical doctor trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They help treat pain due to disabling conditions like AS, including injections of joints, osteopathic treatment (which involves manual movement of your muscles), and complementary practices such as acupuncture. They can offer guidance to your physical therapist.
Physical therapists teach you to perform the right exercises correctly. They help you learn how to build your strength, improve flexibility, and monitor your progress.
Look for someone who has experience with AS, other forms of arthritis, or serious back problems.
There’s no special diet for people with AS, and you may never need help in this area. But diet is an important part of your overall health. Also, carrying too much weight can put an added strain on your spine and other joints affected by AS.
If you do need nutritional support, dietitians and nutritionists can get you started in the right direction.
Dietitians and nutritionists aren’t exactly the same. Generally speaking, you should look for a dietitian or nutrition specialist with board certification. Regulations for these professions vary a lot from state to state. Your rheumatologist or general practitioner can refer you to a qualified professional.
Up to 40 percent of people with AS experience inflammation of the eye (iritis or uveitis) at some point. It’s usually a one-time thing, but it’s serious and requires immediate attention from an eye specialist.
An ophthalmologist is a doctor who treats disease of the eye.
Ask your rheumatologist or family doctor for a referral to a board-certified ophthalmologist. Even better if you can find one experienced in treatment eye inflammation due to AS.
Inflammation due to AS can lead to inflammatory bowel disease or colitis.
Gastroenterologists receive extensive training in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Look for board certification and experience dealing with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
Chances are that you won’t need a neurosurgeon. While surgery can help stabilize and straighten a deformed spine, it’s rarely used to treat AS. It’s considered high risk and usually used only after all other treatments have failed.
Neurosurgeons are trained to treat disorders that affect the central nervous system, which includes the spinal cord. It’s a complex specialty that requires intricate skills.
Your rheumatologist can refer you to a board-certified neurosurgeon who has experience with AS.
Living with a chronic illness, it’s possible you’ll need some type of support along the way, even if it’s temporary. Of course, there are different levels of support, depending on your needs. Here are some professional distinctions:
In-person or online support groups can help you deal with issues pertaining to AS or living with chronic illness in general. There’s a lot of variation in support groups. Don’t feel you have to stick with the first one you find. Keep looking until you find one that meets your needs. The Spondylitis Association of America has a list of support groups you can use as a starting point.
There are many complementary therapies you can do on your own, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation. For others, such as acupuncture, it’s worth checking credentials.
First, clear it with your rheumatologist. Depending on the level of disease progression and how experienced the practitioner is, some complementary therapies may be more hurtful than helpful.
Ask your doctors for recommendations. Then do some homework on your own. Research credentials and years of experience. Check to see if there have been any complaints against the practitioner.
Some complementary therapies may be covered by your health insurance, so be sure to check that too.