Personalised Functional Medicine Approach for Ankylosing Spondylitis
At The Autoimmune Clinic, we specialise in supporting individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using a root-cause, functional medicine approach.
WE GO BEYOND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT TO UNCOVER WHAT IS DRIVING YOUR INFLAMMATION, HELPING YOU REDUCE PAIN, MAINTAIN MOBILITY, AND PROTECT LONG-TERM SPINAL HEALTH.
Stiffness, pain, and fatigue are not just symptoms to mask – they are clues to investigate.
We help you uncover the root drivers so you can take back control of your health.
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, immune-mediated form of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, where the spine meets the pelvis.
It can also involve other joints, tendons, and even organs such as the eyes (uveitis) or gut. The condition typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood, with symptoms such as:
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Persistent lower back pain and stiffness that improves with movement but not with rest
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Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
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Pain that can wake you in the second half of the night
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Fatigue and low energy from ongoing inflammation
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Reduced spinal flexibility and, in some cases, fusion of the vertebrae over time
Because these symptoms may start gradually and mimic common back pain, many individuals live with years of unexplained pain before receiving a diagnosis. A delayed diagnosis can lead to worsening stiffness, pain, and potential loss of spinal mobility.
Conventional Medicine vs Functional Medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis
It doesn’t have to be an either–or decision.
Conventional and functional medicine approaches can work well together.
We encourage individuals to explore the options available from both, using medication where appropriate to bring inflammation under control while also addressing underlying drivers through targeted nutrition, gut support, and lifestyle strategies. This combined approach allows us to focus not only on immediate symptom relief but also on slowing disease progression and, where possible, working towards remission.
By integrating both approaches, we offer a comprehensive and sustainable plan for managing ankylosing spondylitis and supporting long-term health.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH
Conventional rheumatology focuses primarily on suppressing inflammation and slowing disease progression. The main goals are to reduce pain, maintain mobility, and prevent structural damage to the spine.
TYpical treatments include:
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NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, diclofenac) – first-line therapy to reduce pain and stiffness.
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Biologics (TNF-alpha inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors) – used if NSAIDs are insufficient, these medications directly block inflammatory pathways.
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Physiotherapy & Exercise – prescribed to maintain spinal flexibility and prevent fusion.
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Pain Management – sometimes including corticosteroid injections or analgesics.
This approach can be life-changing for many patients, especially those with severe inflammation.
However, it does not explore why the immune system became dysregulated, nor does it address gut health, nutrient status, or environmental triggers that may be perpetuating inflammation.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH
Functional medicine takes a root-cause, whole-person view of ankylosing spondylitis. Rather than just calming inflammation, we explore why it developed in the first place.
We look at:
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Genetic predisposition (HLA-B27) and immune system activation
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Gut microbiome health and overgrowth of bacteria such as Klebsiella
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Leaky gut and food triggers that may be perpetuating inflammation
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Nutrient status including vitamin D, omega-3s, zinc, and magnesium
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Lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep quality, and toxin exposure
Our goal is to reduce immune triggers, support gut health, and create a personalised anti-inflammatory plan that can complement any medical treatment you may be receiving.
Root Causes & Drivers We Explore
Functional medicine views ankylosing spondylitis (AS) as an immune-mediated condition with multiple interacting root causes. Rather than focusing only on symptom suppression, we look for the underlying mechanisms that may be triggering or perpetuating inflammation, pain, and joint changes.
Not to Forget:
Nutrient Imbalances
Deficiencies in vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium are common and can increase susceptibility to inflammation and slow tissue repair. Using functional testing, we assess nutrient status and build a targeted supplementation plan to support joint health, immune function, and energy production.
Diet & Lifestyle for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Nutrition and lifestyle are powerful tools in reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression. At The Autoimmune Clinic, we create a personalised plan tailored to your needs, preferences, and health goals.
A key component for many is a low-starch diet, as research suggests that limiting starch can reduce the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae – a gut bacterium associated with ankylosing spondylitis – and lower immune activation. We guide you through how to do this safely while maintaining nutrient density and variety.
We also focus on a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet, rich in colourful vegetables, high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytonutrients to calm systemic inflammation, support joint health, and optimise gut function. For some individuals, we may trial the removal of gluten or dairy, as these can be immune triggers in susceptible people, then reintroduce them systematically to understand tolerance.
For those who notice that certain foods make pain or fatigue worse, we explore histamine and moderating histamine-rich foods or supporting histamine breakdown with targeted nutrients where appropriate.
Gut health is central to our approach. We use gut repair protocols to support the microbiome, restore intestinal barrier integrity, and reduce immune activation. This may include gentle prebiotics, probiotics (if tolerated), digestive support, and lifestyle habits that promote a healthy gut environment.
Lifestyle recommendations are equally important. Regular, gentle movement and stretching help maintain spinal mobility and reduce stiffness. We provide guidance on posture, ergonomic adjustments, and exercise pacing to avoid overexertion. Stress management and nervous system regulation – through breathwork, mindfulness, or vagus nerve support – can also play a key role in reducing flare intensity and improving resilience.
Restorative sleep is prioritised as part of the healing plan.
By combining nutrition, gut work, and lifestyle strategies, we aim to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and support long-term remission or disease slowdown.
How we work
*Alternatively, you’re welcome to email our reception team if you’d like more information about our packages, pricing and availability.
All our team practitioners are BANT registered nutritional therapists and functional medicine practitioners, with a real passion to help others achieve optimal health.
You can read more about our practitioners on our Meet the Team page.
