What department should I visit for ankylosing spondylitis?

Generally, patients with ankylosing spondylitis can choose to visit the rheumatology and immunology department, orthopedics department, rehabilitation medicine department, pain management department, or ophthalmology department according to their symptoms and needs. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Rheumatology and Immunology Department

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease whose onset is closely related to immune dysfunction. The rheumatology and immunology department is the core specialty for diagnosing and treating such diseases. Doctors will assess inflammation markers, immune indicators, and spinal imaging to determine the stage of the disease, formulate standardized treatment plans including anti-inflammatory drugs and immune-modulating therapy, monitor disease progression, and prevent extra-articular involvement.

2. Orthopedics Department

If ankylosing spondylitis has already caused significant spinal deformities, joint fusion, or damage to peripheral joints such as the hip or knee joints, patients should visit the orthopedics department. Orthopedic surgeons will evaluate the extent of joint structural damage, determine whether surgical correction of spinal deformities or improvement of joint function is needed, and provide professional guidance on joint protection to reduce the risk of运动-induced injuries.

3. Rehabilitation Medicine Department

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis during the stable phase or postoperative recovery phase are suitable for visiting the rehabilitation medicine department. Based on the patient's spinal mobility and muscle strength, the department will develop an individualized rehabilitation plan, such as joint stretching exercises and core muscle group training, to help alleviate morning stiffness, maintain spinal flexibility, and prevent worsening of muscle atrophy and movement limitations caused by long-term inflammation.

4. Pain Management Department

When ankylosing spondylitis causes severe low back pain or joint pain that cannot be relieved with conventional treatments, patients can visit the pain management department. Doctors will use physical therapy, nerve blocks, and other methods to rapidly relieve pain and improve the patient's quality of life. They will also guide the proper use of analgesic medications to avoid long-term pain affecting sleep and mood, and prevent the occurrence of a pain-related vicious cycle.

5. Ophthalmology Department

Some patients with ankylosing spondylitis may experience ocular involvement, such as uveitis, presenting with symptoms like red eyes, eye pain, and blurred vision. In such cases, patients should visit the ophthalmology department. Ophthalmologists will treat the ocular inflammation to prevent vision damage caused by worsening inflammation. They will also collaborate with the rheumatology and immunology department to adjust the systemic treatment plan and reduce the recurrence of ocular involvement.

In addition, if patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience pulmonary involvement symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, they can visit the respiratory medicine department for further examination. In daily life, regular follow-up visits should be conducted, and a multidisciplinary collaborative treatment approach should be followed. Patients should not adjust their treatment plans on their own even if symptoms improve. Maintaining proper posture is also important to avoid increasing the burden on the spine.