5. NSAIDs Provide Relief
During the beginning stages of ankylosing spondylitis, a person can experience symptomatic relief from anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be purchased over the counter. Naproxen and ibuprofen are NSAIDs and can help alleviate some of the pain that is experienced with the disease. This can work for a while until the disease begins to progress further and moves up the spine.
However, taking these medications will not alter the course of ankylosing spondylitis. If your doctor thinks that you are suffering from ankylosing spondylitis they will likely prescribe you with more advanced medications to help you with the pain. These drugs will target specific areas of the immune system. Cytokines are components of the immune system that play a central part in inflammation. These drugs specifically target the interleukin 10 and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These drugs target these areas as a way to slow down the progression of the disease.