What to Know About Chiropractic Care for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the spine. Over time, the bones in the spine can fuse together, causing permanent loss of range of motion. Manipulation of the spine by a chiropractor is not recommended in treating this condition, but other chiropractic interventions can help alleviate symptoms.

This article discusses chiropractic care for ankylosing spondylitis, including the risks and potential benefits.

Risks of Chiropractic Care for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Chiropractors perform spinal manipulation using a thrusting force to help improve the movement of joints in the spine. In addition to improved range of motion, spinal manipulation can help decrease pain and reduce muscle tightness.

Ankylosing spondylitis causes extra bone growth, or bone spurs, in the spine. This condition can also cause other bone-related complications, such as osteoporosis—the breakdown of bone that can cause your bones to become brittle.

Spinal manipulation in people with ankylosing spondylitis can lead to severe injuries, such as fractures, paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body), and spinal cord injuries. People whose bones have fused in the spine or who have advanced osteoporosis have an increased risk for such complications.

For these reasons, the American College of Rheumatology, Spondylitis Association of America, and Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network strongly recommend against the use of spinal manipulation with high-velocity thrusts for people with ankylosing spondylitis.

Case studies have been published suggesting that spinal manipulation has helped relieve symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis in some patients whose symptoms were not active at the time of treatment. Patients in the study also received additional interventions, including soft tissue manipulation and home exercises.

It's important to note that patients in these case studies who were receiving chiropractic treatment for ankylosing spondylitis were also under the care of a medical rheumatologist (medical doctor specializing in conditions of the joints, muscles, bones, and the immune system).

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Chiropractic care includes more than spinal manipulation. Other treatments provided by a chiropractor can include education about proper posture, exercise instruction, and training in ergonomics. These interventions are beneficial for people with ankylosing spondylitis.

In some cases, a chiropractor might be the first healthcare provider to treat a person with ankylosing spondylitis. First symptoms usually appear before age 40 and include chronic back pain and stiffness, symptoms commonly treated by chiropractors.

Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is often difficult and delayed. Early symptoms are vague and can be attributed to many different causes, sometimes making an accurate diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis a years-long process. This increases the risk of significant side effects, such as permanent loss of range of motion, difficulty breathing, bowel issues, loss of appetite, fatigue, rashes, and blindness.

Chiropractors who recognize the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can help patients get the necessary treatment more quickly by referring them to a rheumatologist for further evaluation.

Summary

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that initially affects the spine. This condition causes bone spurs that can eventually lead to fused joints. High-velocity thrust spinal manipulation is not recommended for people with this condition due to the high risk of fractures and nerve injury.

However, chiropractors perform other types of intervention that can be beneficial for people with ankylosing spondylitis, such as soft tissue manipulation, ergonomic training, and exercise instruction.

A Word From Verywell

Living with ankylosing spondylitis can make daily tasks challenging. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and schedule regular follow-up visits so your treatments can be adjusted as needed to help reduce your symptoms. Take your medications as prescribed and talk to your provider about any complementary treatments that might be helpful, including some of the interventions provided by chiropractors.