Spinal cord stimulation for pain management in ankylosing spondylitis: a case report

Introduction.  The classic presentation of ankylosing spondylitis not only impairs spinal mobility but also imposes functional limitations, and fatigue is common. Methods.  We report here the outcomes of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the case of a 47-year-old man with low back and hip/thigh pain due to ankylosing spondylitis, with failed responses to conservative therapies aimed at treating this pain. Results.  Spinal cord stimulation induced axial low back and bilateral hip paresthesia resulting in complete subjective pain relief, cessation of analgesic medications, reduced fatigue, and improved sleep patterns. SCS also resulted in improved socioeconomic outcomes with a return to work. Conclusions.  With further research in patients with broader presentations of the disease, SCS may prove efficacious in suppressing intractable pain symptoms due to ankylosing spondylitis, thus improving quality of life measures.