Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms are often difficult to manage, but there are ways you can help yourself. A healthy lifestyle and taking your medication regularly are the best way to control the disease and reduce your pain.
Avoiding things that aggravate your pain or stiffness may also help to prevent flares. These could include staying seated for long periods of time or sitting in awkward positions (such as in a car seat).
Exercising and stretching regularly can help to relieve symptoms, but make sure you talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. You can start with a small amount of exercise and gradually build up to more.
You should also try to avoid bending and twisting too much, as this can increase the pressure on the joints in your spine and cause further pain. A physiotherapist can recommend exercises to stretch your muscles and joints and improve mobility.
If you have a lot of pain, your rheumatologist will probably prescribe painkillers to help ease the discomfort. These usually include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs. These medicines can be taken as tablets, suppositories, or liquids. They can also be injected into your joints, which work by blocking the action of a chemical called tumour necrosis factor.
NSAIDS are an important part of your treatment for pain and inflammation caused by AS. They can also help to manage your fatigue.
Take your medication as prescribed and stick to the recommended doses. If your doctor suggests increasing the dosage or switching to a new medicine, they will talk to you about the change.
Maintaining a good diet can be important to controlling your symptoms, as the right balance of nutrients can help to reduce inflammation and keep your muscles and joints healthy. A healthy diet should be high in protein and low in saturated fat.
You should also take your NSAIDs as prescribed and try to limit your alcohol intake. This is because alcohol can exacerbate joint and muscle pain.
It is also recommended that you stop smoking and reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of heart problems and stroke.
Treating your ankylosing spondylitis with a combination of medications and physical therapy can be the most effective way to control your symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. It can also help to reduce your risk of joint deformities and other complications.
The most common symptom of AS is back and hip pain. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the spine and joints in the legs, arms, and neck.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune condition that means your body’s immune system is mistakenly attacking its own tissues. It causes swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the joints.
In severe cases, the joints in the spine become inflamed and fused together. This results in a “hunchback” posture and limits movement and breathing.
A doctor can diagnose ankylosing spondylitis by performing a physical exam and taking your medical history. He or she will then refer you to a specialist, known as a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist has special training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders.
