Q: I have been diagnosed at the age of 26 with Ankylosing Spondylitis(AS)in 2000 and taking pain killer tablets for nearly six months. Last week I got a higher study option from a Scandinavian country and am a little worried about the cold weather and its implication over my AS. Please advise. Can I proceed without any concern?

A:Firstly, weather does not play any known role in the causation or aggravation of symptoms in ankylosing spondylitis.

Secondly, I am surprised that you are only taking pain-killers for the disease. In the last 5 years or so some outstanding new medicines have becomeavailable for its treatment. You must meet some RHEUMATOLOGIST (Not Orthopaedic surgeon) so that your disease can be graded and then, appropriate medicines can be started. AIIMS, Apollo Hospital and Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (Vasant Kunj) are 3 major hospitals where rheumatologists are available.