Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment in Faisalabad
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and causes chronic back pain and stiffness in young adults. It is one of the most commonly missed types of arthritis. Dr. Naseem Arshad is a consultant rheumatologist in Faisalabad who diagnoses and treats ankylosing spondylitis before it causes lasting stiffness.
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and the joints where the spine meets the pelvis. The inflammation causes pain and stiffness and, if left untreated for years, can cause the bones of the spine to fuse, leading to a stiff, inflexible back.
AS typically begins in young men, often in their teens or twenties. Because back pain is so common, AS is frequently mistaken for an ordinary muscular problem and goes undiagnosed for years — which is exactly why awareness and early specialist assessment are so important.
How to recognise inflammatory back pain
The back pain of ankylosing spondylitis is different from ordinary mechanical back pain. Warning signs include:
• Back pain that begins before the age of 40 • Pain that comes on gradually and lasts more than three months • Stiffness that is worse in the morning or after rest • Pain that improves with exercise but not with rest • Pain that wakes you in the second half of the night
If your back pain fits this pattern, it is worth being assessed by a rheumatologist rather than assuming it is a simple strain.
Diagnosis and treatment in Faisalabad
Dr. Naseem Arshad diagnoses ankylosing spondylitis using the pattern of symptoms together with examination, blood tests (including inflammatory markers and the HLA-B27 gene), and imaging such as X-rays or MRI of the pelvis and spine.
Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation, relieving pain and keeping the spine mobile:
• Anti-inflammatory medicines to control pain and stiffness • Biologic therapies for more active disease — a major advance now available in Pakistan • A structured exercise and physiotherapy programme, which is central to keeping the spine flexible • Long-term monitoring to prevent complications and preserve posture and movement
Started early, treatment can control symptoms well and greatly reduce the risk of permanent stiffness.
Why choose Dr. Naseem Arshad?
- Consultant Rheumatologist — MBBS, FCPS Medicine, FCPS Rheumatology, with over 15 years of experience.
- 5.0 star rating from patients across Faisalabad — no need to travel to Lahore.
- Convenient location — Chughtai Medical Center, 571-B Satayana Road, Faisalabad.
- Modern, evidence-based care — including the latest DMARDs and biologic therapies.
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor treats ankylosing spondylitis in Faisalabad?
Ankylosing spondylitis is treated by a rheumatologist. Dr. Naseem Arshad is a consultant rheumatologist (FCPS Rheumatology) at Chughtai Medical Center, 571-B Satayana Road, Faisalabad. Call 0329-6528780 to book an appointment.
How is ankylosing spondylitis different from ordinary back pain?
Ordinary back pain is usually mechanical and improves with rest. Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammatory back pain that starts before age 40, comes on gradually, is worse with rest and in the morning, and improves with exercise. This pattern is a key clue that points to AS.
Can ankylosing spondylitis be cured?
There is no permanent cure, but ankylosing spondylitis can be controlled effectively — especially when treated early. Modern anti-inflammatory and biologic medicines, combined with regular exercise, can relieve symptoms and prevent the spine from stiffening.
Why is exercise important in ankylosing spondylitis?
Regular exercise and physiotherapy help keep the spine flexible, maintain good posture and reduce stiffness. Alongside medication, a daily exercise routine is one of the most important parts of managing AS successfully.
Is ankylosing spondylitis genetic?
There is a genetic component. Many patients with AS carry a gene called HLA-B27, and the condition can run in families. Having the gene does not mean you will definitely develop AS, but it increases the risk.