Treatments

Abrilada (Adalimumab-afzb)

Overview
Abrilada is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce signs and symptoms of active ankylosing spondylitis in adults. Abrilada may be referred to by its drug name,… read more

Acupuncture

Overview
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of illnesses. Some people with spondylitis have utilized acupuncture to relieve pain… read more

Advil (Ibuprofen)

Overview
Advil is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Advil may be referred to by its drug name, Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is also sold under the brand name Motrin.

Advil is a… read more

Aleve (Naproxen)

Overview
Aleve is an over-the-counter medication used to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. Aleve is also referred to by its drug name, Naproxen. Naproxen is also sold under the brand name Naprosyn.

Aleve is… read more

Amjevita (Adalimumab-atto)

Overview
Amjevita is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to active ankylosing spondylitis in adults. Amjevita may be referred to by its drug name, Adalimumab-atto. In 2017, the… read more

Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)

Overview
Ansaid is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Ansaid is also referred to by its drug name, flurbiprofen.

Ansaid… read more

Arava (Leflunomide)

Overview
Arava is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat active rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Arava is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat spondylitis. Arava is also known… read more

Aspirin

Overview
Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Aspirin is also sometimes used to treat cardiovascular conditions.

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug… read more

Astramorph (Morphine)

Overview
Astramorph is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute and chronic moderate or severe pain. Astramorph may also be referred to by its drug name, morphine.… read more

Avinza (Morphine)

Overview
Avinza is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe pain in cases where long-term, continual pain relief is needed and other treatments are not effective.… read more

Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)

Overview
Azulfidine is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ulcerative colitis. Azulfidine is also prescribed off-label to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease,… read more

Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Overview
Celebrex is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Celebrex is also referred to by its drug name, celecoxib.

Celebrex is a… read more

Celexa (Citalopram)

Overview
Celexa is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Celexa may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Celexa is also known by its drug name,… read more

Chiropractic treatment

Overview
Chiropractic is a health treatment that aims to correct problems with the muscles, nerves, and skeletal system. Chiropractic is a popular treatment for pain and stiffness, especially in the neck and back.… read more

Cimzia (Certolizumab pegol)

Overview
Cimzia is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis and active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in people… read more

Clinical trials

Overview
Depending on several factors, you may be eligible to participate in clinical trials studying new treatment or prevention protocols for spondylitis. Eligibility may be based on specifics of your condition, such… read more

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Overview
Complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are popular with many people who have spondylitis. CAT treatments for chronic pain may include acupuncture, yoga, massage, low-level laser therapy, and herbal or… read more

Corticosteroids

Overview
Corticosteroids are a class of prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inflammation. Corticosteroids are sometimes used to treat inflammation in people with spondylitis.… read more

Cosentyx (Secukinumab)

Overview
Cosentyx is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. Cosentyx is also known by its drug name, Secukinumab.

Cosentyx is… read more

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Overview
Cymbalta is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression, anxiety, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Cymbalta is… read more

Daypro (Oxaprozin)

Overview
Daypro is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat spondylitis. Daypro is… read more

Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)

Overview
Dilaudid is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain severe enough to require an opioid when other treatments are ineffective. Dilaudid may be referred to by its… read more

Duragesic (Fentanyl)

Overview
Duragesic is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain in opioid-tolerant patients in cases where pain is severe enough to require daily, long-term, continual… read more

Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Overview
Effexor is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Effexor may… read more

Elavil (Amitriptyline)

Overview
Elavil is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Elavil may help manage neuropathic pain. Elavil is also known by its drug name, amitriptyline.… read more

Enbrel (Etanercept)

Overview
Enbrel is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ankylosing spondylitis. Enbrel is also known by its drug name, Etanercept.

Enbrel is an immunomodulator, or in… read more

Erelzi (Etanercept-szzs)

Overview
Erelzi is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ankylosing spondylitis. Erelzi may be referred to by its drug name, Etanercept-szzs. Erelzi is a biosimilar of… read more

Exalgo (Hydromorphone)

Overview
Exalgo is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe pain in opioid-tolerant people in cases where long-term, continual pain relief is needed and other… read more

Exercise

Overview
Exercise can help everyone stay healthy and feel their best. Exercise can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve sleep, promote a healthy weight, and help prevent the development of heart… read more

Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine)

Overview
Flexeril is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute musculoskeletal pain. Flexeril is also referred to by its drug name, cyclobenzaprine.

Flexeril is… read more

Hip replacement

Overview
Hip replacement is surgery to replace one or both hips with artificial joints made from plastic, ceramic, or metal components. Some people with spondylitis choose hip replacement if hip pain and dysfunction… read more

Humira (Adalimumab)

Overview
Humira is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. Humira is also indicated to treat uveitis, a type of eye inflammation… read more

Hydrocodone

Overview
Hydrocodone is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain that requires daily, round-the-clock management on a long-term basis, and for which other treatment… read more

Ibuprofen

Overview
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Ibuprofen is sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).… read more

Indocin (Indomethacin)

Overview
Indocin is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis. Indocin is also referred to by its drug name, indomethacin.… read more

Inflectra (Infliximab-dyyb)

Overview
Inflectra is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce signs and symptoms of active ankylosing spondylitis. Inflectra may be referred to by its drug name,… read more

Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Overview
Lexapro is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder in adults and in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Lexapro may help reduce pain… read more

Lodine (Etodolac)

Overview
Lodine is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage acute pain and signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Lodine is sometimes… read more

Lyrica (Pregabalin)

Overview
Lyrica is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia, postherpetic neuralgia, partial onset seizures, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic… read more

Medical marijuana

Overview
Medical marijuana is widely used as a complementary therapy to treat chronic pain.

It is vital to inform your doctor of all treatments you incorporate, including medical marijuana, so that they can warn you… read more

Methotrexate

Overview
Methotrexate is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe cases of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer. Methotrexate is sometimes prescribed… read more

Mobic (Meloxicam)

Overview
Mobic is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoarthritis, adult rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children age 2 or older.… read more

Motrin (Ibuprofen)

Overview
Motrin is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Motrin is also referred to by its drug name, Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is also sold under the brand name Advil.

Motrin is a… read more

Nalfon (Fenoprofen)

Overview
Nalfon is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and mild to moderate pain. Nalfon is also referred to by its drug name,… read more

Naltrexone

Overview
Naltrexone is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating opiate and alcohol addiction. At a significantly lower dose, naltrexone has also been prescribed to… read more

Naprosyn (Naproxen)

Overview
Naprosyn is an over-the-counter medication used to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. Naprosyn is also referred to by its drug name, Naproxen. Naproxen is also sold under the brand name Aleve.… read more

Nerve block injections

Overview
In some cases of spondylitis, pain cannot be effectively managed with medication. Depending on the condition and the type of pain, some people may be candidates for nerve block injections.

What does it… read more

Neurontin (Gabapentin)

Overview
Neurontin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postherpetic neuralgia and some types of seizures. Neurontin is sometimes prescribed off-label to manage symptoms of… read more

Norco (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Norco is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Norco is a combination drug containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen.… read more

Norflex (Orphenadrine)

Overview
Norflex is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat muscle spasms and pain. Norflex is also referred to by its drug name, Orphenadrine.

Norflex is a muscle… read more

Norpramin (Desipramine)

Overview
Norpramin is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Norpramin may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Norpramin is also… read more

Nutrition

Overview
Everyone feels their best when they consistently eat a healthy, balanced diet. For people with spondylitis, nutrition can help you combat inflammation, manage your weight, and avoid developing osteoporosis and… read more

Orphenadrine citrate/Aspirin/Caffeine

Overview
Formulations of orphenadrine citrate, aspirin, and caffeine are available as prescription medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute musculoskeletal pain in addition to… read more

Orphengesic (Orphenadrine citrate/Aspirin/Caffeine)

Overview
Orphengesic Forte is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute musculoskeletal pain, in combination with rest and physical therapy. Orphengesic Forte is a… read more

Otezla (Apremilast)

Overview
Otezla is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat active psoriatic arthritis and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Otezla is sometimes prescribed off-label for… read more

OxyContin (Oxycodone)

Overview
OxyContin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain severe enough to require daily, 24-hour, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment… read more

Pamelor (Nortriptyline)

Overview
Pamelor is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. Pamelor may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Pamelor is also known… read more

Paxil (Paroxetine)

Overview
Paxil is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Paxil may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic… read more

Percocet (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Percocet is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Percocet is a combination drug composed of oxycodone and acetaminophen.… read more

Physical therapy

Overview
Physical therapy can help people with spondylitis reduce pain, preserve function, improve strength and balance, and stabilize joints. Physical therapy can also rehabilitate your body after surgery or injury.… read more

Posture

Overview
Maintaining good posture is important for everyone. Good posture helps prevent fatigue and strain and improves balance. For people with spondylitis, good posture is essential to avoid developing kyphosis… read more

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)

Overview
Pristiq is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depression disorder. Pristiq may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Pristiq is also known by… read more

Prozac (Fluoxetine)

Overview
Prozac is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Prozac is also known by its drug name, fluoxetine.

Prozac is an antidepressant of the selective… read more

Radiofrequency nerve ablation

Overview
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a technique used to provide long-term relief for some types of chronic pain. RFA is most often used to treat back pain including pain in the lumbar, cervical, and sacroiliac… read more

Remicade (Infliximab)

Overview
Remicade is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce signs and symptoms of active ankylosing spondylitis. Remicade may be referred to by its drug name,… read more

Rheumatrex (Methotrexate)

Overview
Rheumatrex is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe cases of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer. Rheumatrex is also referred to by its… read more

Rinvoq (Upadacitinib)

Overview
Rinvoq is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating ankylosing spondylitis or nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults 18 years and older who have… read more

Savella (Milnacipran HCI)

Overview
Savella is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat fibromyalgia. Savella is also prescribed off-label to treat spondylitis. Savella is also known by its drug name,… read more

Silenor (Doxepin)

Overview
Silenor is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat insomnia. Silenor may help manage neuropathic pain. Silenor is also referred to by its drug name, doxepin.… read more

Simponi (Golimumab)

Overview
Simponi is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. Simponi is also referred to by its drug name, Golimumab.

Simponi is an immunomodulator, or in… read more

Simponi Aria (Golimumab)

Overview
Simponi Aria is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. Simponi Aria is also referred to by its drug name, golimumab. Golimumab is also sold… read more

Soma (Carisoprodol)

Overview
Soma is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute musculoskeletal pain. Soma is also referred to by its drug name, carisoprodol.

Soma is a muscle… read more

Spinal surgery

Overview
In advanced cases of ankylosing spondylitis, corrective spinal surgery may become necessary. A spine specialist may recommend surgery in cases where the spine has become deformed in a fixed flexed (forward)… read more

Stelara (Ustekinumab)

Overview
Stelara is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat active psoriatic arthritis and moderately to severely active cases of plaque psoriasis and Crohn’s disease.… read more

Taltz (Ixekizumab)

Overview
Taltz is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. Taltz is also known by its drug name, Ixekizumab.

Taltz is a biologic… read more

Tofranil (Imipramine)

Overview
Tofranil is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Tofranil may help manage neuropathic pain. Tofranil is also known by its drug name, imipramine.… read more

Trexall (Methotrexate)

Overview
Trexall is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe cases of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer. Trexall is also referred to by its drug… read more

Tylenol (Acetaminophen, Paracetamol)

Overview
Tylenol is available over the counter as treatment for minor aches and pains. Tylenol may be referred to by the drug name Acetaminophen, also called Paracetamol.

Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and… read more

Ultram (Tramadol)

Overview
Ultram is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. Ultram is also known by its drug name, tramadol.

Ultram is an… read more

Valium (Diazepam)

Overview
Valium is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. Valium can also help relieve muscle spasms related to spondylitis. Valium is also known by its drug name… read more

Vicodin (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)

Overview
Vicodin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage pain severe enough to require an opioid, and for which other treatments are ineffective. Vicodin is a combination… read more

Voltaren (Diclofenac)

Overview
Voltaren is a prescription medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Voltaren may be… read more

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Overview
Wellbutrin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in adults. Wellbutrin may help manage neuropathic pain. Wellbutrin is also known by its drug name,… read more

Xeljanz (tofacitinib)

Overview
Xeljanz is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat active psoriatic arthritis in adults. Xeljanz may be prescribed in cases where psoriatic arthritis has not… read more