The Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Team
A person with
ankylosing spondylitis will probably need to see several different types of healthcare providers, because ankylosing spondylitis can affect different parts of the body. However, it may be helpful -- to both the doctors and the patient -- for one doctor to manage the complete ankylosing spondylitis treatment plan. This doctor will usually be a rheumatologist (a doctor specializing in
arthritis). He or she can coordinate treatments and monitor the side effects from the various medicines the patient may take.
The following specialists treat other aspects of ankylosing spondylitis that affect different parts of the body:
- Physical or occupational therapist (supervises exercise regimens)
- Ophthalmologist (treats eye disease)
- Orthopedist (performs surgery on severely damaged joints).
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Begins With You
Studies have shown that patients who are well informed and participate actively in their own care have less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor than do other patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Patient education and arthritis self-management programs, as well as support groups, help people to become better informed and to participate in their own care.
Self-management programs teach people about a number of things related to ankylosing spondylitis, including treatment, exercise and relaxation approaches, communication between patients and healthcare providers, and problem solving. Ankylosing spondylitis research on these programs has shown that they help people:
- Understand the disease
- Reduce their pain while remaining active
- Cope physically, emotionally, and mentally with the disease
- Feel greater control over the disease
- Build a sense of confidence in their ability to function and lead full, active, and independent lives.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print