What type of doctor treats ankylosing spondylitis?
A rheumatologist is the specialist who typically treats ankylosing spondylitis. These doctors have specialized training to diagnose and manage spondylitis and stay up to date on the latest research and therapies for your condition.
While many people start by seeing their Show Full Answer
What type of doctor treats ankylosing spondylitis?
A rheumatologist is the specialist who typically treats ankylosing spondylitis. These doctors have specialized training to diagnose and manage spondylitis and stay up to date on the latest research and therapies for your condition.
While many people start by seeing their general practitioner for symptoms, about 43% of people are ultimately diagnosed by a rheumatologist. However, it's worth noting that almost 6 in 10 people are diagnosed by someone other than a rheumatologist, which means many could benefit from seeing this type of specialist to confirm their treatment plan is appropriate.
In some cases, you might also work with other specialists as part of your care team, including:
- Physical therapists for exercise and mobility
- Pain management doctors
- Ophthalmologists for eye inflammation (uveitis)
- Orthopedists or spinal surgeons if surgery is needed
Your rheumatologist can recommend the right treatments as your symptoms change or progress and help coordinate care with other specialists when needed.
February 8
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