Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a long-term inflammatory condition that primarily targets the spine and the sacroiliac joints at the base of the back. Over time, persistent inflammation can cause vertebrae to fuse, reducing flexibility and causing the characteristic forward-stooped posture. AS affects roughly 0.1—0.5% of the population across Asia, with higher rates reported in certain HLA-B27-prevalent populations in Japan, South Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia.

Medicines used to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis

Celebrex

Celecoxib

100 · 200mg

Indicated for joint inflammation, this treatment is formulated to target pain and designed to mitigate symptoms effectively for better mobility.

From $0.57 / tablet View

Naprosyn

Naproxen

250 · 500mg

Developed to mitigate musculoskeletal inflammation to relieve discomfort.

From $0.55 / tablet View

Indocin

Indometacin

25 · 50 · 75mg

Indicated to alleviate inflammation and pain to mitigate stiffness associated with arthritis.

From $0.32 / tablet View

Mobic

Meloxicam

7.5 · 15mg

Utilized to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis to address joint pain.

From $0.33 / tablet View

Voveran

Diclofenac

50mg

Formulated to alleviate inflammatory pain, utilized to support mobility and to mitigate symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions in adults.

From $0.39 / tablet View

Voltaren Sr

Diclofenac

100mg

Utilized to manage musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, this treatment is indicated to alleviate discomfort associated with chronic joint conditions and improve physical mobility.

From $0.64 / tablet View

Feldene

Piroxicam

10 · 20mg

Effective for inflammatory conditions, this NSAID is indicated to mitigate pain and alleviate stiffness associated with rheumatic disorders.

From $0.52 / tablet View

Anaprox

Naproxen

500mg

Formulated to alleviate pain to support mobility.

From $0.69 / tablet View

Voltarol

Diclofenac

100mg

Voltarol is indicated to alleviate inflammation and utilized to manage chronic pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions.

From $0.51 / tablet View

Naprelan

Naproxen

250 · 500mg

Effective for pain relief, developed to alleviate inflammation.

From $0.66 / tablet View

The pattern of symptoms

Pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks are typically the first signs, worst on waking and easing with movement, the opposite of most mechanical back pain. Fatigue is common and often underestimated. Inflammation can extend beyond the spine to the hips, shoulders, and occasionally the eyes (acute anterior uveitis). Symptoms usually begin in early adulthood, and men are diagnosed roughly two to three times more often than women, though women may present with milder spinal changes.

Managing inflammation and keeping mobile

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the frontline treatment for controlling pain and morning stiffness. Several options are available in our pain management range, including naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, and celecoxib. Indometacin has been used in AS for decades and remains effective for flares; piroxicam offers a once-daily option suited to those who find dosing adherence a challenge.

Sustained use of NSAIDs, not just on-demand, is thought to slow radiographic progression in some patients. Exercise, particularly swimming and targeted physiotherapy, is as important as medication: keeping the spine mobile counters the tendency towards stiffening. Posture awareness and sleeping on a firm, flat surface without a pillow under the knees also help preserve spinal alignment over years.

If symptoms worsen significantly or you develop eye redness and pain, seek medical attention promptly; uveitis from AS requires urgent treatment to protect vision.