A class of drugs commonly taken by patients to help manage the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis are over-the-counter anti inflammatories, such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Motrin, etc.  Sometimes these drugs, classified as "NSAID's" (non steroid anti inflammatory drugs) are even prescribed by Doctors, such as Celebrex among others.  Using an anti inflammatory would seem to make sense because AS is a type of inflammatory arthritis and many of the symtpoms can be linked to underlying inflammation.  So why not take them?  

You might be surprised to learn about some famous individuals in the past and present who had, or have, Ankylosing Spondylitis.  Better yet, some of them are proactive in the AS community and have accomplished amazing things.   

A surprisingly large percentage of patients who suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis also have an IBD such as Crohns, and an even larger number are expected to have undiagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.  For years the apparent connection remained a mystery, but now science has given us an answer!

A TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a small battery operated device that is commonly used as a back pain treatment.  It utilizes low voltage electric current to relieve pain.  Chiropractors or Physical Therapists might recommend the use of a TENS unit for an Ankylosing Spondylitis patient, not realizing the unique dangers that this poses.

It is not uncommon for both newly diagnosed and long-term sufferers of any major illness to battle bouts of depression.   These helpful suggestions have proven successful as strategies to fight against negative feelings and thoughts.  Share with others what methods have helped you to bring your thoughts into captivity and love life again.