Question
How to manage joint movement limitation and spinal curvature caused by ankylosing spondylitis?
Answer
For ankylosing spondylitis, past treatments included taking sulfasalazine medications, which helped reduce pain but could still lead to spinal curvature. To seek further assistance, consider using traditional Chinese medicine formulas, detailed diagnostic results, and the primary measures during the acute phase, which include relieving pain and preventing deformity. Aspirin is not effective, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as piroxicam and indomethacin are more effective in pain relief. The starting dose of piroxicam is 400 milligrams daily, taken in four divided doses, with maintenance doses ranging from 100 to 200 milligrams daily. Its drawback is that it has significant side effects. Indomethacin is taken at a dose of 100 milligrams, four times a day, with an additional 50 milligrams at bedtime if possible. Other new NSAIDs also have similar effects.