Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis pain can be complex. We help you find relief.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness that can limit movement over time. Managing the underlying disease is your rheumatologist’s role. Managing the day-to-day pain and stiffness that comes with it is where we help.
Override specializes in chronic pain. Our virtual care team looks at the physical, neurological, and emotional factors that can influence ongoing pain, then builds a personalized care plan around your needs, goals, and life, working directly alongside your rheumatologist.
of appointments are fully virtual. In-network with most insurance plans in select states.
of patients report improvement*
satisfaction with Override providers*
*Source: Internal Override Health patient-reported outcomes data
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness that’s often worse in the morning or after periods of rest, and typically improves with movement. Over time, it can affect posture and spinal flexibility if not managed.
Common symptoms:
Lower back and hip pain or stiffness, often worse in the morning
Symptoms that improve with movement and worsen with rest
Fatigue
Involvement of the hips, shoulders, or other joints
Chronic pain with AS is also a nervous system story. Living with ongoing inflammatory pain can lead to a more sensitized nervous system over time, which is part of why a whole-person approach to pain, alongside your rheumatologic care, can be valuable.
When Ankylosing Spondylitis Becomes More Than a Spine Problem
When ankylosing spondylitis-related pain and stiffness continue for months or years, it can start affecting much more than your back.
Pain can change how you move in the morning, how you sleep, how you plan physical activity, and how confident you feel about staying active long-term.
That’s why Override doesn’t treat ankylosing spondylitis-related pain as only a symptom to manage in isolation.
We look at the whole pain experience and build a personalized plan around your symptoms, history, goals, and the factors that may be contributing to your pain.
Override specializes in chronic pain. Our virtual care team looks at the physical, neurological, and emotional factors that can influence ongoing pain, then builds a personalized care plan around your needs, goals, and life, working directly alongside your rheumatologist.
A Whole-Person Approach to Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain Support
You’re likely already working with a rheumatologist to manage the disease itself. Override’s role is different: helping with the day-to-day pain and mobility side, alongside that care.
Depending on your needs, your personalized care plan may include:
Pain Medicine
Pain specialists trained in pain neuroscience and non-opioid chronic pain management who coordinate closely with your rheumatologist’s treatment plan.
Physical Therapy
Movement specialists trained in chronic pain who help with mobility work for the spine and hips, since regular movement is broadly beneficial for Ankylosing spondylitis.
Pain Psychology
Pain-focused therapists who help address the stress and frustration that can come with a chronic inflammatory condition.
Coaching & Peer Support
Certified pain coaches help you build sustainable daily movement habits and stay supported between visits.
Your care is personalized to you. You may not need every service. The difference is that your providers can work together as one team, with one shared understanding of your pain and your goals, and your rheumatologist stays central to your disease management.
Real Results
"Override has been a game-changer in my journey with chronic pain. It's not just about relief; it's about unlocking my life, revitalizing relationships, and retraining my physical function. I'm getting outside more often, have a little more pep in my step, and for the first time in a LONG, LONG time, I feel hopeful."
Raymond K.
Override patient
When Should You Consider Override for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
You’ve been diagnosed with Ankylosing spondylitis and are looking for additional pain and mobility support
Your pain or stiffness is affecting your movement, sleep, work, mood, or the things you want to do
You feel like you’ve been managing the disease itself without enough support for the day-to-day pain
You’re looking for a more comprehensive approach that works alongside your rheumatologist
Override doesn’t diagnose or manage the underlying autoimmune disease. Please continue working with your rheumatologist for that part of your care.
Related Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
We help manage pain and support mobility, but we don’t treat the underlying autoimmune disease. That requires a rheumatologist’s care.
Generally, yes, and it’s often specifically recommended. Appropriate, regular movement helps maintain spinal flexibility. Your care team can tailor guidance to your current symptoms and disease activity.
No. Please continue with your rheumatologist for disease management. We work alongside that care, focused on pain and mobility.
Yes. It can also affect the hips, shoulders, and in some cases the eyes or other organs, which is part of why ongoing rheumatology care matters.
Check your coverage and get started in minutes.
