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Medical Care in China

Ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment in China

Provide a clear and complete coordinated pathway from expert assessment to treatment and rehabilitation.

Special TCM TechniquesThe synergistic application of various TCM techniques such as acupuncture, needle knife therapy, and massage.

Precision pain interventionDeveloping plans for neck, shoulder, back, leg pain and neuropathic pain.

Postoperative rehabilitationCombines traditional Chinese medicine treatment with modern rehabilitation to promote functional recovery.

Personalized treatmentTreatment:Plans are developed based on the patient's condition, physical condition, and treatment needs.

Condition Guide

About Ankylosing spondylitis

Understand the condition, common triggers and treatment options that may require specialist assessment.

Disease Introduction

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic autoimmune axial spinal arthritis, belonging to the seronegative spondyloarthropathy category. It initially affects the sacroiliac joints, and from bottom to top, it involves the spine, paravertebral ligaments, and tendon insertions, and may be accompanied by damage to peripheral joints and extra-articular organs. In the late stage, there is ossification of spinal ligaments, formation of vertebral bone bridges, and spinal ankylosis deformity. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is classified as spinal arthritis or bone arthritis.
Pathological Mechanism: Genetic susceptibility (primarily HLA-B27), immune dysregulation, and environmental factors contribute to the disease; pro-inflammatory factors such as IL - 17 and TNF - α mediate inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and spinal entheses; early bone marrow edema and bone erosion; chronic inflammation induces ectopic osteophyte formation in ligaments and tendons, resulting in ligament osteophytes, bamboo-like changes, and progressive loss of spinal mobility. Traditional Chinese Medicine Pathogenesis: Deficiency of the kidney and the Du meridian is the root cause, while cold-dampness, damp-heat, phlegm-blood stasis, and obstruction of the Du meridian and tendons are the manifestations.
Core symptoms: Inflammatory low back pain, which worsens at rest, at night, and after prolonged sitting, and is relieved by activity; morning stiffness in the lower back (morning stiffness ≥30 minutes); pain in the sacroiliac region and deep buttocks; tendon enthesitis (heel pain, plantar pain); may be accompanied by peripheral arthritis and uveitis; late-stage kyphosis and limited chest movement; ASDAS and BASDAI are used to assess disease activity.

Cutting-edge high-precision diagnostic and treatment technologies

High-resolution MRI of the sacroiliac joint + dynamic imaging assessment: Early detection of bone marrow edema and enthesitis, enabling early disease classification and quantitative monitoring of activity.
Ultrasound-guided targeted intervention at the attachment point: Precise intervention for stubborn tendon terminal lesions, inhibiting local inflammation at the attachment point.
Three-dimensional digital preoperative planning for spinal/hip deformities: For severe kyphosis and hip ankylosis, digital modeling is used to assist in spinal osteotomy and correction, and total hip replacement.
Biofeedback Posture Management + 3D Spinal Motion Assessment: Quantify spinal mobility, dynamically correct posture, and slow the progression of ankylosing spondylitis.
Multidisciplinary Rheumatology-Spinal Surgery-Rehabilitation Integrated Assessment System : The core diagnosis and treatment model of a top domestic rheumatology center.
Dual-target breakthrough technology (domestic original) : XKH004 (IL-17A/F dual-target monoclonal antibody): A phase III randomized clinical trial (52 weeks) led by the expert team of Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University confirmed that subcutaneous administration of 160 mg every 4 weeks can simultaneously block the synergistic pro-inflammatory cascade of IL-17A and IL-17F, continuously improve back pain, morning stiffness and spinal mobility, and has stable and controllable safety, filling the gap in the long-term efficacy and safety of domestic dual-target antibodies.

Care Overview

Ankylosing spondylitis Treatment in China

The medical team will develop a personalized protocol based on the pathology type, stage, genetic test, previous treatment history, and the patient's physical condition.

Core treatment logic: A dual-track model of "precise assessment by Western medicine + holistic diagnosis by Traditional Chinese Medicine".
1. Early active phase: Western medicine inflammation monitoring and postural rehabilitation; combined with moxibustion and acupuncture to quickly improve morning stiffness and lower back pain, and reduce inflammation-related physical symptoms;
2. Maintenance of chronic diseases during the stable period: Regular disease assessment by Western medicine, acupuncture + external treatment to tonify the kidney and strengthen the Du meridian, spinal guidance, to maintain spinal mobility in the long term and reduce recurrence;
3. Surgical perioperative period: Preoperative acupuncture and external Chinese medicine treatments improve the overall condition; early postoperative acupuncture and meridian intervention reduce pain and muscle spasms in the surgical area, and standardized rehabilitation is used to prevent spinal stiffness;
4. Long-term chronic disease follow-up: Regular assessments combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, along with postural and functional training throughout the process, to slow the progression of spinal ossification and reduce the risk of disability.

1. Advantages of Western medicine: Precisely identifies immune inflammation, targets and inhibits enthesitis, and delays heterotopic ossification; severe bony deformities can be reconstructed through osteotomy/joint replacement. Limitations: Cannot be completely cured; existing spinal bamboo deformities are irreversible and require long-term continuous monitoring and management.
2. Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture: Holistic care, adept at improving morning stiffness, enthesitis, and physical fatigue; low risk, suitable for long-term chronic disease stabilization. Limitations: Cannot independently control severe immune activity, cannot dissolve existing ligament osteophytes; forceful bone setting is strictly prohibited, posing a risk of spinal fracture.
3. Core advantages of integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine : ① Precise stage identification: distinguishing between immune-mediated inflammation and simple muscle stiffness, avoiding the limitations of single treatments;
②Full -cycle chronic disease management: coordinated symptom control during the active phase, long-term functional maintenance during the stable phase; reducing postoperative discomfort and shortening the rehabilitation period during the perioperative period;
③ Treating both the symptoms and the root cause: Western medicine treats the "symptoms" (immune inflammation, bone erosion), while traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture treats the "root cause" (kidney and meridian deficiency, meridian obstruction);
④ Wider applicability: For patients who cannot tolerate immune-targeted intervention and have residual intractable stiffness and pain, a combined Chinese and Western medicine approach can be adopted.
4. The core contradiction of ankylosing spondylitis: Under a genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation induces chronic inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and spinal attachment points, leading to secondary heterotopic ossification of ligaments and spinal ankylosis. Top domestic systems adhere to the principles of staged, individualized, and multidisciplinary chronic disease management: Western medicine relies on imaging and inflammatory marker assessment to suppress immune inflammation, and in later stages, surgical correction of deformities; Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture focus on tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the Du meridian, and clearing blockages to alleviate morning stiffness and attachment point pain; the synergy of Western and Traditional Chinese medicine is a unique domestic approach to achieve inflammation control, pain relief, and spinal function protection; during disease activity, conservative acupuncture alone is not advisable; standardized immune management is necessary, and forceful spinal manipulation is prohibited.

Network of partner hospitals

Recommended Hospitals

Selected leading medical centers with strong specialties and international patient services.

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a national center for the development of traditional Chinese medicine, a national clinical research base for traditional Chinese medicine, and a national center for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine. It has key disciplines of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, key medical specialties of the Beijing Municipal Hospital Management Center's "Sailing" Plan, as well as 13 national advantageous specialties of traditional Chinese medicine and 16 key specialties of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a base for international cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine, a base for disease prevention and treatment, and a clinical base for emergency treatment of traditional Chinese medicine. It is also a Class A designated medical institution for Beijing's basic medical insurance.

Year Founded: 1956
Beds: 1400

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

The hospital is among the first batch of "mentor-type" national TCM medical center creation units, national regional medical center export units, and national TCM inheritance and innovation center construction units. It is a national TCM oncology medical center, a TCM diabetes specialty center, and a TCM anorectal disease specialty center. It is also an ISO9001 quality management certified unit, a member of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, a key unit for the national TCM service trade "pilot program," and one of the first national TCM service export bases. It ranks first nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (oncology) departments.

Year Founded: 1955
Beds: 407

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a network hospital of the National Health Commission's International Emergency Rescue Center and a core unit for national clinical medical research and key discipline construction in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular diseases. It ranks second nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine (cardiovascular) fields. The hospital has been selected as one of the top 50 in China's cardiovascular disease science and technology influence list and is a national clinical research base for traditional Chinese medicine and a national drug clinical trial institution.

Year Founded: 1955
Beds: 800

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

TCM & AcupunctureInternal Medicine

The hospital was among the first batch of national medical centers (TCM guidance category) and is a demonstration base for the construction of a national comprehensive reform pilot zone for the development of TCM. It ranks 4th nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (brain diseases). The hospital's Department of Brain Diseases is the leading unit of the National Collaborative Group for Emergency Brain Diseases under the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a key discipline and specialty construction unit for TCM brain diseases.

Year Founded: 1958
Beds: 1540

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tianjin · Partner Hospital

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

The hospital is a national medical center construction unit, a national clinical research center for traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, a national regional medical center construction export hospital, a key traditional Chinese medicine hospital of the national traditional Chinese medicine inheritance and innovation project, a national traditional Chinese medicine clinical research base, a national regional traditional Chinese medicine (specialty) diagnosis and treatment center, a national traditional Chinese medicine service export base, a national-level traditional Chinese medicine quality control center under construction unit, and a national traditional Chinese medicine clinical teaching and training demonstration center. It ranks first in the country in the Fudan University ranking of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture disciplines.

Year Founded: 1954
Beds: 800

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM & Acupuncture

The hospital is a national model TCM hospital, one of the first batch of national TCM inheritance and innovation centers, and a national TCM clinical research base. It ranks 7th nationwide in the Fudan University ranking of comprehensive TCM (proctology) fields. The hospital's proctology department is a national key clinical specialty, a key high-level TCM discipline of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a leading TCM specialty. It is also an important component of the national intangible cultural heritage "Gu's Surgery."

Year Founded: 1960
Beds: 1750

Leading Specialists

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

Shi Dazhuo

Chief Researcher, Qihuang Scholar, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : myocardial repair after myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure; Cutting-edge technologies: Qi-invigorating and blood-activating muscle-regenerating therapy for myocardial infarction, plaque-targeted regulation; Areas of expertise: coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure; Academic highlights: Principal investigator of a national key research and development project, multiple evidence-based studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese m

Affiliated Hospital Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Yin Lixin

Chief Physician

TCM & Acupuncture

Research area : Personalized treatment of colorectal and anal diseases using integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Specializes in treating: hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal fissure, rectal prolapse, colorectal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, perianal skin diseases, rectovaginal fistula, and other anorectal and surgical diseases.

Affiliated Hospital Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yao Yibo

Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, Director of the Department of Anorectal Surgery, and the Fifth Generation Successor of the Gu Family Surgery

TCM & Acupuncture

-Research areas : functional constipation, gut microbiota, complex anal fistula, pelvic floor dynamic disorders. - Cutting-edge technologies: Sacral nerve modulation therapy for defecation disorders; minimally invasive treatment combining sutures and VAAFT; research on the pathogenesis of constipation in traditional Chinese medicine. - Areas of expertise: intractable functional constipation, high-level complex anal fistula, pelvic floor defecation disorders, and chronic perianal wounds. - Academic Highlig

Affiliated Hospital Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Zhang Jingchun

Professor , Deputy Director of Cardiovascular Department, specializing in Imperial Medicine and Palpitation Treatment

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas: Imperial medicine, traditional Chinese medicine treatment of palpitations (arrhythmia), and research on Qing Dynasty imperial physician literature. Cutting-edge technology: Under the guidance of Academician Chen Keji, the three major official medical books of the Song Dynasty and the literature of imperial physicians of the Qing Dynasty were systematically organized. Based on the concept of "all diseases originate from the liver, and treating the liver is the first priority" of Tong Kuoqua

Affiliated Hospital Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Li Bin

Chief Physician, Professor

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : metabolic diseases, obesity, diabetes; cutting-edge technologies: fire needle warming and breaking theory, combined acupuncture and drug therapy for metabolic diseases; Areas of expertise: Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity; Academic highlights: Academic leader in the field of fire needle metabolic diseases; Core value: Building an integrated chronic disease management system that combines acupuncture and medication with lifestyle intervention for metabolic diseases.

Affiliated Hospital Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Liu Qingquan

Chief Physician, Professor

TCM & Acupuncture

Research areas : Traditional Chinese medicine emergency care, infectious diseases, and respiratory critical care; Cutting-edge technologies: Traditional Chinese medicine epidemic disease theory, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment plans for sepsis. Areas of expertise: Severe pneumonia, sepsis, fever of unknown origin; Academic highlights: Head of the National Traditional Chinese Medicine Epidemic Prevention and Control Base; Core value: Establishing a TCM-based emergency care

Affiliated Hospital Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Patient Stories

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome

CASE 01

PATIENT JOURNEY

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome "pain in his lower back".

TCM & Acupuncture

Patient records: Name: Maria Age: 68 Nationality: Filipino Diagnosis: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) Treatment Hospital: Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences When the pain becomes a memory, we help her regain peaceful nights. Maria, a 68-year-old retired teacher from Cebu, Philippines, developed shingles on the left side of her chest and back three months ago. After the rash healed, the real nightmare began. The original shingles area was left with intense, burning, and stabbing p

View case details →

CASE 02

PATIENT JOURNEY

Melting the "Frozen" Shoulders—An Indonesian Businessman's Painless Restart

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

Patient records: Name: Budi Age: 52 years old Nationality: Indonesia Diagnosis: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) Treatment Hospital: Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine When his arm became "displayable," we found the key to restarting it. 52-year-old Budi is a successful Chinese businessman in Jakarta, spending most of his time working at a desk. Six months ago, he began experiencing a dull ache in his right shoulder, which he initially ignored. However,

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Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the

CASE 03

PATIENT JOURNEY

Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the "Compressed Spring"—A Kazakh Family Finds a Precise Answer in China

TCM & AcupunctureNeurologyPediatrics

Patient records Name: Alina Age: 5 years old Nationality: Kazakhstan Diagnosis: Spastic diplegia (cerebral palsy), GMFCS grade III Treatment Hospital: Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine For a family, the rehabilitation of a child with cerebral palsy is a marathon with no end in sight. When parents take their children around the world, only to hear time and again, "This is the only way," the despair is profound. Alina's story tells how we helped a family find tha

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Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

CASE 04

PATIENT JOURNEY

Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

TCM & AcupunctureRehabilitation

Patient records Name: Sophie Age: 65 Nationality: Thailand Diagnosis: Post-ischemic stroke sequelae (right middle cerebral artery supply area), Wernicke aphasia, right hemiplegia. Treatment Hospital: Neurorehabilitation Center, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University Case Study Theme: For overseas patients, the biggest obstacles to cross-border medical treatment are often not distance, but rather "information asymmetry" and "culture shock." They don't know how China's healthcare system works, whic

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Service Process

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Ankylosing spondylitisTreatment in China

Ankylosing spondylitis Treatment in China

Recommended Hospitals

Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Clinical Medical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Capital Medical University

Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Second Clinical Medical Research Institute of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences)

Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Xiyuan Hospital)

Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (The First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine )

The First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Postherpetic neuralgia – A Filipino elderly man's palliative care helps him overcome "pain in his lower back".

Melting the "Frozen" Shoulders—An Indonesian Businessman's Painless Restart

Cerebral Palsy in Children: Unlocking the "Compressed Spring"—A Kazakh Family Finds a Precise Answer in China

Stroke Rehabilitation: When Language Becomes an Island—We Build a Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation Bridge for a Thai Painter

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Unveiling the Prophecy of a "Lifelong Wheelchair" - A Russian Engineer's Journey of "Neural Remodeling" in China

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

Pre-Visit Services

Remote Consultations

Travel Arrangements

Comprehensive Support in China

Post-Visit Services

Get a Care Planand Cost Estimate.

Get a Care Plan and Estimate

Ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment in China

Get a Care Plan
and Cost Estimate.