Ankylosing Spondylitis and Joint Discomfort: Your IV Infusion Therapy Questions, Answered

When ankylosing spondylitis symptoms start interfering with sleep, work, or the ability to stay active, the right treatment can make a difference in how you feel and function.

At Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Hendersonville, Tennessee, board-certified rheumatologist Mohammad F. Ali, MD, and our skilled rheumatology team focus on helping you stay ahead of your condition. 

IV infusion therapy is one of the most effective approaches for managing ankylosing spondylitis. If you’re diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, it’s normal to have questions about IV infusion therapy. Our team has you covered with some information to get you started. 

How does IV infusion therapy help ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that impacts the spine, sacroiliac joints, and sometimes peripheral joints. The inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and progressive loss of mobility. IV biologic medications calm the overactive immune response that drives the disease, quelling inflammation at the source.

These medications are designed to block specific inflammatory proteins that your immune system produces in excess. When inflammation drops, so does pain, morning stiffness, and the risk of long-term joint damage. For many patients, infusion therapy serves as the backbone of their treatment plan due to its ability to slow disease progression.

Which IV biologics are used for ankylosing spondylitis?

TNF inhibitors, a class of biologics that target tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are the primary medications used to manage ankylosing spondylitis. This key inflammatory protein is a primary player in the condition.

Two of the most common IV biologics include:

1. Infliximab (Simponi)

Infliximab is one of the longest-used biologics for ankylosing spondylitis. It binds to TNF and prevents it from fueling inflammation in the spine and joints. 

2. Golimumab (Remicade)

Golimumab (IV formulation) is a newer TNF inhibitor option for infusion therapy. It offers sustained anti-inflammatory benefits with predictable dosing intervals, making it especially helpful for long-term disease control.

What is the benefit of IV infusion therapy?

Oral medications have their place, but biologics delivered through infusion offer targeted, powerful action with predictable dosing. Because the medication enters your bloodstream directly, your body absorbs it consistently, which can lead to more stable symptom control.

Infusions are often recommended when:

• Oral medications aren’t effective enough
• You’re unable to tolerate the side effects of other treatments
• Your disease is active and causing functional limitations
• You need a therapy known to slow structural damage

If you’re struggling with persistent symptoms or imaging shows signs of progression, infusion therapy may be the right next step.

What is the infusion process like?

At Comprehensive Arthritis Care, the process is designed to be as comfortable as possible. You’ll sit in a reclining chair, often with a warm blanket and high-speed Wi-Fi. Our team places a small IV, the medication is infused at a controlled rate, and you can read, work, or rest during the session.

Depending on the medication, infusions may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Most of our patients return to their normal routine the same day, and side effects are generally mild.

Infusions at Comprehensive Arthritis Care are conducted in-house so you don’t have to travel between facilities or deal with long wait times. Our team monitors you closely, answers your questions, and supports you throughout. 

How soon will I feel better?

Some patients notice improvements within a few weeks, while others need a few treatment cycles. Reduced stiffness, easier mornings, fewer flare-ups, and improved mobility are common. 

Learn more about IV infusion therapy

You don’t have to let ankylosing spondylitis control your life. If joint pain and stiffness are getting in the way of your daily life, our team at Comprehensive Arthritis Care can help you explore whether infusion therapy is right for you. Call our Hendersonville, Tennessee, office to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online to get started.