Spondylarthritis Treatment in India

Anjali Das, a 42-year-old software engineer...

Anjali Das, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two, had always been active. Over the past two years, she experienced a gradual onset of debilitating lower back pain and stiffness, worst in the mornings. It began to radiate into her buttocks, and she noticed her flexibility diminishing. Simple tasks like playing with her children or sitting through long work meetings became agonizing. After months of dismissing it as 'mom back,' she saw her primary doctor, who referred her to a rheumatologist, Dr. Sharma. Dr. Sharma, suspecting inflammatory back pain, ordered blood tests (which were positive for HLA-B27) and an MRI of her sacroiliac joints, which confirmed active inflammation consistent with axial spondyloarthritis. The diagnosis was a shock. Dr. Sharma recommended starting a targeted biologic medication (a TNF inhibitor) alongside a dedicated physiotherapy program to manage inflammation and preserve mobility. Anjali was terrified of the injections and the idea of a chronic condition. The first few months of treatment were an emotional rollercoaster, hope mixed with fear of side effects. However, after three months on the biologic, the morning stiffness reduced dramatically. Within six months, her pain was manageable, and she could resume yoga and family hikes. The emotional journey was profound: from fear and grief over a changed future to immense relief and empowerment. She now sees her condition as manageable, not defining, and advocates for early diagnosis in her community.