Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment in India
About Ankylosing Spondylitis
Key Highlights
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Focuses on long-term disease management and improving quality of life.Combines medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications for a holistic approach.Aims to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation to maintain spinal mobility.Helps prevent or delay complications like spinal fusion and deformity.Personalized treatment plans are developed by a specialist in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent inflammatory back pain and stiffness, typically worse in the morning or after rest.
- Reduced spinal mobility and chest expansion.
- Positive findings on imaging (X-ray or MRI) showing sacroiliitis or spinal inflammation.
- Elevated inflammatory markers (like CRP or ESR) in blood tests.
- Presence of extra-articular manifestations like uveitis (eye inflammation), psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Family history of AS or related spondyloarthritis conditions.
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed medical history, including symptom onset, pattern, and family history.
- Undergo diagnostic tests as advised, which may include blood tests (HLA-B27, CRP, ESR) and imaging (X-rays, MRI of the pelvis and spine).
- Discuss all current medications, supplements, and allergies with the rheumatologist.
- Prepare a list of questions and concerns about the diagnosis and long-term management plan.
- For certain treatments like biologic injections, ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations and screened for infections like tuberculosis as required.
Risks & possible complications
- Medication side effects: NSAIDs can cause stomach upset or kidney issues; biologics may increase infection risk.
- Progression of disease leading to spinal fusion (ankylosis), resulting in reduced flexibility and posture changes.
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and spinal fractures.
- Potential for extra-articular complications affecting the eyes (uveitis), heart, or lungs.
- Emotional and psychological impact due to chronic pain and lifestyle adjustments.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Management is ongoing; there is no 'recovery' in the traditional sense, but rather continuous disease control.
- Adherence to prescribed medication regimens is crucial for suppressing inflammation.
- Regular, daily exercises and physiotherapy are essential to maintain posture, flexibility, and strength.
- Schedule regular follow-up appointments with the rheumatologist to monitor disease activity and adjust treatment.
- Adopt joint-protecting techniques, use supportive devices if needed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with good posture practices.
- Seek prompt medical attention for new symptoms like eye pain or redness (possible uveitis).
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Typical hospital stay:
Usually outpatient (0 days)
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Expected recovery time:
Lifelong management; initial symptom control may take several weeks to months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ankylosing spondylitis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with rheumatology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ankylosing spondylitis. MediFyr helps you compare rheumatologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ankylosing spondylitis compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 300 Thousand | Usually outpatient (0 days) | ~ Lifelong management; initial symptom control may take several weeks to months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 1.05 Million | Usually outpatient (0 days) | ~ Lifelong management; initial symptom control may take several weeks to months | Know More |
Sai Bhatia, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Sai Bhatia, a 28-year-old software engineer from Mumbai, had always been active. For the past five years, he'd been plagued by a persistent, deep ache in his lower back and hips, worst in the mornings. He dismissed it as a bad mattress or work stress. Recently, the stiffness began lasting hours, and sharp pains shot down his legs during his weekend cricket matches. His primary doctor, suspecting more than a simple strain, referred him to a rheumatologist. After reviewing X-rays showing early fusion in his sacroiliac joints and a positive HLA-B27 test, the rheumatologist diagnosed him with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). The doctor recommended starting a treatment plan centered on a TNF-inhibitor biologic medication, alongside daily physiotherapy exercises and NSAIDs for flare-ups. Starting the injections was daunting for Sai; he feared side effects and the idea of a lifelong condition. The first few months involved careful monitoring and adjusting his exercise routine to be more spine-friendly, like swimming. After six months, the morning stiffness reduced from 2 hours to 20 minutes. The debilitating flare-ups became rare. Emotionally, Sai moved from denial and fear of losing his active lifestyle to empowered acceptance. He now manages his AS proactively, seeing it not as a limit but as a part of his life he controls, allowing him to continue his career and passions with careful planning.
Rheumatologists for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Explore experienced rheumatologists who regularly perform ankylosing spondylitis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 11 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 5 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
- 13 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 11 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 29 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 7 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 7 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
- 9 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 14 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 14 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 3 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 27 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 9 Years Experience
- Rheumatologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata