Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment in Florida — Rheumatology Care
Living with back pain and stiffness that won’t go away? It could be ankylosing spondylitis. At Axis Rheum, Dr. Abhijeet Danve provides treatment for ankylosing spondylitis via secure telemedicine visits for patients across Florida. You get an expert diagnosis, right treatment and ongoing management plan — without long drives or waitlists.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is also called Axial Spondyloarthritis. We see most patients within 2 weeks and appointments are available during evenings and weekends.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a long-term inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and the sacroiliac (SI) joints, where the spine meets the pelvis. Over time, inflammation can cause new bone to form, making parts of the spine stiff or fused.
AS belongs to a wider group called axial spondyloarthritis — sometimes searched as ankylosing spondyloarthritis — which also includes a form where X-rays still look normal.
AS at a glance
- Mainly affects
- Spine & SI joints
- Usually starts
- Before age 45
- Linked gene
- HLA-B27
- Disease group
- Axial spondyloarthritis
- Curable?
- Not yet — very treatable
Ankylosing spondylitis Symptoms
AS pain behaves differently from everyday back strain. These are the patterns a rheumatologist looks for — and here's how it's diagnosed.
Long-lasting back pain
Low back and buttock pain lasting three months or longer
Morning stiffness
Morning stiffness of 30 minutes or more that eases with movement
Night pain
Pain that wakes you in the second half of the night
Better with movement
Pain and stiffness that improve with exercise but worsen with rest
Ankylosing spondylitis tiredness
Deep fatigue caused by ongoing inflammation
Pain beyond the spine
Pain in the hips, heels, ribs or chest
Eye inflammation
Red, painful eyes with light sensitivity (uveitis)
Early Signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis
AS usually starts before age 45. Early signs include dull pain deep in the lower back or buttocks, alternating buttock pain, and stiffness after sitting or sleeping. Because these signs look like ordinary back pain, AS is often diagnosed years late.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms in Women
Women with AS more often have neck pain, peripheral joint pain and fatigue, and they are diagnosed later on average than men. If you are a woman with long-lasting inflammatory back pain, ask about AS directly.
What causes Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The exact cause is not fully known. Genes play a strong role — most people with AS carry the HLA-B27 gene — but many people with HLA-B27 never develop the disease. Researchers believe genes, the immune system and gut inflammation work together to trigger AS.
It is not caused by injury, posture or anything you did.
How is Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines your symptom history, an ankylosing spondylitis physical exam, blood tests and imaging — starting with a video visit from home.
Video visit & physical exam
On a video visit, Dr. Danve guides you through spinal movement, chest expansion and SI joint checks.
Book a video visitBlood tests near you
We arrange HLA-B27, CRP and ESR blood tests at a lab near you in Florida.
Where we serveSI joint imaging
X-ray or MRI of the SI joints at a facility close to home.
Where we serveYour treatment plan
Medication, physical therapy and monitoring, with follow-ups by telehealth.
See treatment options
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatments
The goal of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is to control pain and stiffness, keep the spine flexible and slow structural damage. Most patients do best with a combination of:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Biologic therapy when symptoms stay active
- Daily exercise and physical therapy
- Regular monitoring of disease activity, eyes and bone health
Ankylosing Spondylitis Medication
| Type | Examples | When it's used |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Naproxen, ibuprofen, celecoxib | First-line anti inflammatory drugs for ankylosing spondylitis; relieve symptoms for many patients |
| Biologics | TNF inhibitors (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab, golimumab) or IL-17 inhibitors (secukinumab, ixekizumab) | When NSAIDs are not enough |
| JAK inhibitors | Oral options such as upadacitinib or tofacitinib | For active disease |
| Steroid injections | Into an SI joint or knee | For a single inflamed joint |
Traditional arthritis DMARDs like methotrexate and steroid tablets do little for spinal AS, which is why a rheumatologist should guide your ankylosing spondylitis medications.
Pain Meds for Ankylosing Spondylitis
The best pain medicine for ankylosing spondylitis is one that treats the inflammation itself — see the medication options. We review which pain meds suit you, how to take them safely long-term, and the stomach, kidney and heart checks that go with them.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for ankylosing spondylitis is as important as medication. Regular physio keeps the spine mobile, protects posture and reduces pain.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Physical Therapy Exercises
Short daily sessions work better than occasional long ones. We coordinate with a physiotherapist near you in Florida so your exercise program matches your medication plan.
An AS PT treatment plan usually includes
- Spinal extension and posture-correction exercises
- Deep breathing exercises to maintain chest expansion
- Hip, shoulder and neck mobility work
- Core strengthening
- Low-impact cardio such as swimming, walking or cycling
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment in Florida
Axis Rheum is a rheumatology practice serving all of Florida — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Jacksonville and everywhere in between. Labs, imaging and physical therapy are arranged close to home, and your follow-ups happen by telehealth.
Why Florida patients choose us
See Rheumatology Expert from comfort of your home
Expertise
Ankylosing Spondylitis Specialist
Dr. Danve focuses on ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis, so you see an expert in your condition over video from anywhere in Florida, whether you’re in Miami, Tampa, Orlando or Jacksonville.
Speed & Flexibility
Seen within 2 weeks
Most new patients are seen within two weeks, with evening and weekend visits available to fit around work and family.
Continuity
One plan, ongoing care
Your PsA or AS treatment plan starts early and is followed and adjusted over time by a rheumatologist with national expertise.
Coordination
Connected local care
We coordinate with primary care providers and specialists in Florida when hands-on care is needed.
Where we can help
At present, Axis Rheum serves patients in the following states:
- Massachusetts (MA)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- Florida (FL)
- Oregon (OR)
We’ll be expanding to other states soon. Sign up for our waiting list or contact us for a second opinion consultation or peer-to-peer consult.
Transparent. Simple. Value-driven.
We at Axis Rheum, follow a clear and straightforward pricing structure with no hidden fees whatsoever.
New patient consultation (about 1 hour) – TBD
Follow up visit (about 30 minutes) – TBD
PRICING
Transparent pricing, no surprises
Initial Consultation / Second Opinion
$425
- Initial consultation with
Dr. Danve (1 hour) - A detailed review of your medical records and test results prior to the appointment (up to 1 hour)
- Guidance on next steps including ordering of additional lab & imaging tests as deemed necessary.
- Development of detailed and personalized treatment plan
- Prescribing medications as necessary
- Communication and care coordination with other physicians as appropriate.
Follow up Appointment
$225
- One on one follow-up appointment with Dr. Danve after an initial consultation
(30 – 45 minutes) - Subsequent ordering and monitoring of labs, imaging, and other testing as necessary.
- Prescribing medications as necessary
- Communication and care coordination with other physicians as appropriate.
Memberships
- Membership will be offered to selected patients after initial consultation.
We will use your insurance only for laboratory and imaging tests as well as medications.
What Patients say about us
Frequently Asked Questions
For most people it is a combination of NSAIDs, daily exercise and physical therapy. Biologics are added when symptoms stay active.
A rheumatologist confirms the diagnosis, starts anti-inflammatory medication, builds an exercise plan and tracks progress, adjusting treatment if symptoms persist.
There is no cure yet, but ankylosing spondylitis is very treatable. Many patients reach low disease activity and stay active with the right care.
Naproxen is one of the NSAIDs commonly used as first-line treatment for AS. Your doctor will check that it is safe for you long-term.
Ongoing inflammation, poor sleep from night pain and low mood can all cause fatigue. Controlling inflammation usually improves energy.
Yes. Axis Rheum offers virtual visits anywhere in Florida, with labs and imaging arranged near you.
Start with a Free Phone Call or Fill out form in the link below
Most new patients are seen within 2 weeks, with evening and weekend visits available. Bring your symptoms and questions, and you’ll leave the visit with a plan.