Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Type of Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is uncommon and affects children ages 16 years and younger. The type of JRA that affects the spine is ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Treatment may include:

• Medications
  As with more common osteoarthritis, treatment often begins with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. naproxen). Although most patients' symptoms respond well to anti-inflammatory medication, these drugs do not treat the underlying disease. Sometimes medications are not strong enough.
  
  Unlike osteoarthritis, in inflammatory arthritis, certain medications can affect the actual disease. For example, TNF-blocking drugs may help block a protein that can cause inflammation (Tumor Necrosis Factor). Etanercept (Enbrel) and adalimumab (Humira) are two types of TNF-blockers that may stop disease progression.
  
  
• Physical therapy, therapeutic exercise
  Physical therapy stresses proper posture, joint mobility, and deep breathing. Some patients may develop forward posture; therefore, postural training and extension exercise is helpful. Stretching and range of motion exercise helps keep the facet and rib joints mobile. Additionally, deep breathing expands the chest (rib joints) and aids lung function.

Spinal Inflammatory Arthritis Glossary