The night after a long sports session or intense exercise, you may notice pain when walking or standing. This is absolutely normal, and it’s nothing more than your body recovering. But some people feel pain when walking and struggle to make even the simplest movements every day with no exercise or workout session involved. Now, this is not normal and may indicate arthritis.
Arthritis is characterized by joint and muscle inflammation, pain, and stiffness, and is one of the biggest health concerns adults face. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation in the joints and ligaments. Over time, AS can lead to vertebral fusion, restricting movement.
Symptoms often begin slowly and may include persistent joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues, weight loss, skin rashes, breathing difficulties, and vision issues. The exact cause of AS remains unclear, although genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role in its development.
There is no cure for AS, but various effective natural treatments, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and dietary adjustments, can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life. These natural treatments also offer the benefit of safety compared to their conventional medicine counterparts.
Read on to discover how you can take control of this condition and find relief.
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also known as axial spondyloarthritis, is a type of arthritis that causes long-term inflammation of the joints and ligaments in the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis may also affect the knee, ankles, and hips. The inflammation resulting from ankylosing spondylitis causes chronic back pain, spinal stiffness, and in severe cases, fusion of the spinal vertebrae.
The vertebrae fusing causes the spine to have even more flexibility issues. Ankylosing spondylitis affects 1 in 200 people in the US. Arthritis is defined as acute or chronic joint inflammation, typically accompanied by pain and structural damage.
There are different types of arthritis, with different causes of arthritis, including autoimmune processes, crystal deposition, or infections. Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the types of arthritis caused by autoimmune processes (where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells).
What Are the Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are mainly related to back pain and stiffness. However, other symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, skin problems, and digestive problems may arise. Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms typically develop slowly over several months or years.
AS symptoms may also occur in episodes. The disappearance of symptoms is known as remission, while their reappearance is called flare-ups. The pattern of flare-ups and remission varies with each individual, as do the symptoms observed.
Living with ankylosing spondylitis or chronic back pain? Our Chiropractic Care services in Panama City, FL focus on improving spinal mobility, reducing pain, and helping you move more comfortably. Discover how personalized chiropractic treatment can support your long-term health and quality of life.
Here are some of the symptoms of AS:
- Joint pain, especially in the back, hip, buttocks, stomach
- Joint stiffness
- Inflammation in joints like the ribs, shoulders, hips, and knees
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Skin rashes
- Breathing difficulties
- Vision difficulties and pain
What Are the Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis remains unknown, but a gene variant has been identified as a major contributor. The genetic component comes from the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 gene. Most people who have AS have this specific gene. However, not everyone with the gene develops the condition, implying that other factors are necessary for its development.
Research from the National Library of Medicine reveals that there is an interplay between genetics and environmental factors that likely contribute to the development of AS. However, the exact factors that may be implicated are still unknown.
Natural Treatment Options for Ankylosing Spondylitis
The natural treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis include chiropractic, physical therapy, diet therapy, and posture correction. The treatment goal of ankylosing spondylitis is primarily improving the patient’s quality of life by limiting pain and improving joint function.
Natural treatment options have advantages over conventional medicine in the safety department, as the risk for side effects and complications from therapy is much lower. Even AS patients already established on conventional treatments will benefit from adding natural treatment options to their treatment plan.
Here are some natural treatment options for AS management.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a type of complementary and alternative medicine concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractic operates on the basis of the relationship between the body’s nervous (brain and spinal cord) and musculoskeletal (muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones) systems.
Scientific studies have confirmed that chiropractic has benefits in managing ankylosing spondylitis. One such study, published in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, found a 95% improvement in disease activity index and an 85% improvement in functional index among patients who received chiropractic care. In other words, chiropractic was found to increase function and reduce the intensity of AS.
Another Journal of Chiropractic Medicine study found similar results when chiropractic was used to manage ankylosing spondylitis. The study concluded that chiropractic care can reduce symptoms and improve the musculoskeletal function of ankylosing spondylitis patients. The improvements in symptoms and function after applying chiropractic was both subjective and objective, addressing any doubts about the treatment’s true effectiveness.
Chiropractic treatments also have the advantage of safety, compared to medication use in conventional medicine, as the risk for side effects is much lower with chiropractic.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractors rely on certain techniques for managing musculoskeletal conditions, which is also true with ankylosing spondylitis. Mobilization and manipulation techniques are often used to manage AS.
Some of the chiropractic techniques employed in managing ankylosing spondylitis are listed below:
- Trigger point therapy
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Flexion-distraction spinal manipulative therapy
- Instrument adjusting tools
- Diversified
The choice of technique depends on the symptom presentation of the patient, as chiropractic is a form of functional medicine that delivers healthcare on a patient-specific basis. Therefore, two people with the same condition may not necessarily need the same treatment. Another important factor in selecting the treatment option is the quality of chiropractic care.
Experienced chiropractors have a broader understanding of various techniques and the condition. Therefore, finding a quality, experienced chiropractor is as important as getting chiropractic care.
Finding a Chiropractor in Panama City
You can get a high level of quality and experience from Dr. Tony Salamay at the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic. Dr. Tony has decades of experience managing musculoskeletal conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis and other forms of arthritis. You can reach us at (850) 785-9372 or through our email info@thebaydoctor.com.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves using physical activities and exercise to manage health conditions. The principle justifying physical therapy is its ability to preserve joint flexibility and mobility. A study in Baillière’s Clinical Rheumatology found that exercise can cause improvements in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, although these improvements were short-term.
Physical therapy can also relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and improve posture, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. These benefits can improve the quality of life of patients with AS.
Diet
Diet therapy can help in the management of ankylosing spondylitis, mainly through the reduction of inflammation. By definition, ankylosing spondylitis is inflammation of the joints and ligaments of the spine. Therefore, it is logical to imagine that foods that can reduce inflammation can help manage ankylosing spondylitis. However, logic is not always supported by science, which is why scientific evidence of the role of diet in managing ankylosing spondylitis is critical.
A study by the University of Oslo, Norway confirms a relationship between diet and arthritis, showing that foods can have beneficial or worsening effects on AS. Therefore, dietary therapy in AS management involves both the addition of certain foods and the removal of others.
Here are some of the foods that can help in AS management:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Berries
- Apples
- Nuts
- Avocados Fatty fish
Foods to avoid when managing AS include:
- Bread
- Potatoes
- Cakes
- Pasta
- Refined grains
- Processed meat
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Surgery for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
No, you will not need surgery for ankylosing spondylitis unless all other treatment options have failed, symptoms are severe, there is significant joint damage, and there are severe bends in the spine. There are different surgical options for managing AS, including hip replacement, spinal osteotomy, and laminectomy (removal of a part of the spinal bone).
Surgery is rare and often the last resort. Most AS patients benefit from more conservative treatment options, including natural treatment options like chiropractic, physical therapy, and diet.
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Go Away on Its Own?
No, ankylosing spondylitis cannot go away on its own, and leaving it untreated can lead to various complications. Some of these complications are reduced joint flexibility, joint damage, osteoporosis (weakened bones), spinal fractures, cardiovascular disease, psoriasis, iritis (inflammation of the eye), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
AS is a linearly progressive condition, which means it consistently gets worse over time. Prompt treatment can limit the rate at which the condition progresses, ensuring that patients can manage their symptoms and have the best quality of life possible.
Is There a Cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
No, there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but there are treatment options that can relieve symptoms and limit the progression of the condition. The closest thing to a cure for AS is long-term remission, which represents an absence of symptoms. Long-term remission is rare, though, with less than 1% of patients entering long-term remission.
Proper treatment of the condition is the best bet for most patients, considering the lack of a cure and the low probability of long-term remission. There are multiple treatment options, conventional and natural, for managing AS. Some individuals may benefit from a combination of both treatment options. However, natural treatment options, including chiropractic, physical therapy, dietary therapy (especially a low-starch diet), and posture correction, are the safer options.
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis Preventable?
No, ankylosing spondylitis is not preventable, and this is a consistent theme with autoimmune disorders. The exact cause of AS (and autoimmune disorders generally) is unknown, making it impossible to prevent. However, there are treatment options that can help manage the condition and possibly achieve a state of remission, where symptoms are absent or significantly reduced.
How Long Does It Take to Feel Better after Chiropractic Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Most people start feeling better after their first chiropractic session. The number and frequency of chiropractic sessions vary, depending on the extent of joint damage and other underlying conditions the patient may have. The duration of symptom relief also depends on the individual’s particular case and its characteristics. However, most people observe long-term relief after getting chiropractic care.
Conclusion
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition that requires consistent management to maintain quality of life. AS is unpreventable and incurable, but understanding its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options is essential for effective care. Natural treatments like chiropractic care, physical therapy, and dietary adjustments offer safe and effective ways to alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation.
Chiropractic also has several benefits in improving musculoskeletal functions. If you live in Panama City, Florida, or its surrounding areas, you can get quality chiropractic services from Dr. Tony Salamay at the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic at (850) 785-9372 or our email at info@thebaydoctor.com.
References
- Hwang MC, Ridley L, Reveille JD. Ankylosing spondylitis risk factors: a systematic literature review. Clinical Rheumatology [Internet]. 2021 Mar 22;40(8):3079–93. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9044547/
- Senthelal S, Li J, Ardeshirzadeh S, Thomas MA. Arthritis [Internet]. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518992/
- Branch NSC and O. Ankylosing spondylitis [Internet]. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. 2025. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ankylosing-spondylitis
- Wenker KJ, Quint JM. Ankylosing spondylitis [Internet]. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470173/
- Ellis JA, Kemp AS, Ponsonby AL. Gene–environment interaction in autoimmune disease. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine [Internet]. 2014 Jan 1;16. Available from: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/expert-reviews-in-molecular-medicine/article/abs/geneenvironment-interaction-in-autoimmune-disease/717AFCA586B23CE549B8B6342FED7F09
- Maltese PE, Michelini S, Baronio M, Bertelli M. Molecular foundations of chiropractic therapy. PubMed [Internet]. 2019 Sep 30;90(10-S):93–102. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7233649/
- Rutherford SM, Nicolson CF, Crowther ER. Symptomatic improvement in function and disease activity in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis utilizing a course of chiropractic therapy: a prospective case study [Internet]. 2005. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1840019/
- Cornelson SM, Beavers D, Harvey A, Hogarth W, Kettner NW. Chiropractic care in the management of inactive ankylosing spondylitis: a case series. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine [Internet]. 2017 Dec 1;16(4):300–7. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5731838/
- İlter SE, Gökçe A. Assessment of chiropractic intervention influence on pain and life quality in cervicogenic headache afflicted office workers: a review. Eur Res J. 2023;9(6):1493-1501. doi:10.18621/eurj.1324556. Available from: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/3251907
- Ytterberg SR, Mahowald ML, Krug HE. Exercise for arthritis. Baillière S Clinical Rheumatology [Internet]. 1994 Feb 1;8(1):161–89. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950357905802304?via%3Dihub
- Branch NSC and O. Ankylosing spondylitis [Internet]. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. 2025. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ankylosing-spondylitis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
- Haugen M, Kjeldsen-Kragh J, Nordvåg BY, Førre Ø. Diet and disease symptoms in rheumatic diseases — Results of a questionnaire based survey. Clinical Rheumatology [Internet]. 1991 Dec 1;10(4):401–7. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02206660
- Ebringer A, Wilson C. The Use of a Low Starch Diet in the Treatment of Patients Suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis. Clinical Rheumatology [Internet]. 1996 Jan 1;15(S1):62–6. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03342649
- NHS. Ankylosing spondylitis [Internet]. NHS; [cited 2025 Oct 3]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/
- Brophy S, Mackay K, Al-Saidi A, Taylor G, Calin A. The natural history of ankylosing spondylitis as defined by radiological progression. [Internet]. The Journal of Rheumatology. 2002. Available from: https://www.jrheum.org/content/29/6/1236.long
