What are treatment options for managing nr-axSpA?

Question

Hello doctor,

My boss, who is 60, was recently diagnosed with non-radiographic spondyloarthritis, and he has been struggling with stiffness and pain, especially in his lower back. I am worried about it because my friend, who is his nephew, has been experiencing similar symptoms, and I am wondering if this condition could be genetic.

I would like to know what treatment options are available for managing these symptoms effectively. My boss is considering different therapies but is not sure which one would be most beneficial for long-term relief and stability. Could you provide information on the best treatment strategies and whether lifestyle changes can be helpful?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-AxSpA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It is in the category of diseases called spondyloarthritis, and almost always inflammation in the spine.

Back pain is the hallmark of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (a chronic inflammatory disease that typically causes lower back pain and stiffness).

There is no known cause, but it is thought to be auto-immune (the body fails to recognize itself and starts attacking from within) in origin. Plain X-rays do not show anything, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) findings are scanty and may show an inflammatory response in the sacroiliac joints (joints in the backbone). Also many times HLAB27 (a protein found on the surface of white blood cells that helps the body's immune system identify harmful substances) may be done, and often the diagnosis is made by clinical picture and exclusion of other conditions.

As there is a genetic element, there may be some familial incidence. Treatment will initially be symptomatic, and if the control is poor, then a trial of nonbiologic disease-modifying drugs or biologics (a group of medicines that are made from living organisms or their products) can be tried.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.