The efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine non-pharmacological interventions in improving disease activity and inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis: a network meta-analysis.

What was studied

This review compared add-on and alternative therapies for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). AS causes pain, stiffness and trouble moving. The team pooled trials that put people into groups by chance. They used a method that compares many therapies at once. The review covered 2,459 people and 15 therapies. The search ran up to 1 January 2026. Outcomes were disease activity, function, pain and a blood marker of inflammation.

What they found

Several therapies cut BASDAI disease activity scores more than usual care. These included moxibustion, and moxibustion plus cupping. Function scores only showed trends that need more study. Several therapies eased pain more than usual care, moxibustion among them. Moxibustion also lowered CRP, a blood marker of inflammation.

What it means for patients

The authors say moxibustion plus cupping had a good chance of easing pain. They say this still needs to be confirmed. They say several therapies may help with disease activity, pain and inflammation. They say safety could not be judged.

Why it is not certain yet

The authors say the evidence was of limited certainty. Side effects were not fully reported. The rankings show relative chances, not clear proof. A review can only be as good as the studies in it.

Source

The efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine non-pharmacological interventions in improving disease activity and inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis: a network meta-analysis.

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