Ankylosing Spondylitis

In ankylosing spondylitis, "perceived pain" and "radiological progression" do not always coincide. Even in the asymptomatic stage, active bone marrow edema or new bone formation may be confirmed on MRI. For the same reason that the recurrence rate is high in patients who discontinue biological agents, a dose reduction and maintenance approach is recommended in Korean medicine treatment rather than complete discontinuation. Since seasonal changes, stress, and infections act as reactivation triggers, periodic checkups are necessary.

Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic

In Korean medicine, the disappearance of symptoms may indicate an incomplete recovery, where pathogenic factors have retreated but vital energy has not yet been sufficiently replenished. If the root cause of kidney deficiency is not addressed through maintenance treatment during this period, the condition can easily recur when the seasons change or when overwork or stress occurs. In Dongjedang's maintenance treatment, the degree of Qi and blood replenishment is checked via pulse diagnosis at every visit, acupoint composition is adjusted as needed, and internal treatments are added every 3 to 6 months. The goal is not to end the treatment, but to build a physical condition capable of maintaining itself.