Your doctors in St.Thomas, and St. Croix, can help you feel your best.
If you suffer from chronic lower back pain at the base of your spine, you could have ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that causes spine inflammation. Your doctor can help you manage the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, so you can stay active.
Dr. Carmen Quinones (Pain Management) and Dr. Mary Olsen (Rheumatology) at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists offer comprehensive medical care, including treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. They have two convenient office locations in St.Thomas, and St. Croix, to help you feel your best.
Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as AS, causes inflammation at the base of the spine and pelvis. Other symptoms include:
- Chronic back and hip pain
- Chronic lower back stiffness
- Chronic joint and neck pain
You may be at increased risk of developing AS if you have:
- Psoriasis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
There is no cure for AS, but there are several ways you can manage your symptoms. You need to:
- Watch what you eat; avoid processed or fried foods, fatty foods, and sugary foods
- Maintain a healthy weight; carrying extra weight puts a strain on your joints
- Exercise; keeping active increases flexibility and can decrease pain
- Limit alcohol; alcohol can increase your risk of weakened bones and osteoporosis
- Quit smoking; tobacco products can increase pain and damage to your spine
Your doctor may also recommend several types of treatment to help you get relief from painful symptoms. Professional treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen or naproxen
- Anti-rheumatic medications including sulfasalazine
- Biologic medications including interleukin inhibitors
- Injectable corticosteroid medications to decrease inflammation
- Surgical therapy to replace joints or correct a curved spine
To learn more about the symptoms, management, and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, call Dr. Quinones and Dr. Olsen at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists. You can reach them in St.Thomas, and St. Croix, by calling (340) 714-2845, or (340) 692-5000 today!