Ankylosing Spondilitis Question I have been in a flare for nearly five months, feeling pain predominantly in my ribs and thoracic spine . It is very debilitating unless I take my voltaren (25mg) x4 per day and Panadol Osteo x6 per day. I am wondering will this flare up ever go away or am I likely to have this pain for much longer yet?
HAI, Thanks for writing in, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) flare up can be controlled well with medications but cannot be avoided. You have to take proper medications for AS to avoid the progression of the disease. Seems you are only taking NSAIDs for AS. Discuss with your doctor regarding starting you on Awards like Sulfasalazine. Sometimes acute flare-ups need steroids with/ without dose modification of Awards. You have to take medications for AS regularly as advised for life long to control the disease progression. Physiotherapy is very important to keep your back flexible. Taking NSAIDs for long term might cause gastritis and renal impairment. Take them as per your doctors' advice. Wish you a good health. Regards.