Symptoms of SLE/Lumpus

Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis

In this post, we will discuss the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). We will start with non-medical management, which involves controlling the disease effectively without medications.

Non-Medical Management

Exercise is crucial for all arthritis patients, and it is especially beneficial for those with Ankylosing Spondylitis. There are three main types of exercises or movements that can help:

Regular Daily Stretches:

Since many patients are young and may spend long periods sitting, regular stretches are important. We recommend doing stretches every 20 to 30 minutes. Stretch your waist and neck forward, backward, and on both sides, and take a light walk.

Designated Exercises:

These exercises focus on the waist and legs. We have uploaded some exercises on our video channel. Performing these exercises two to three times daily is very beneficial for maintaining waist mobility.

Aerobic Exercises:

Activities such as walking, pool walking, and swimming are excellent. Stationary cycling is particularly effective for Ankylosing Spondylitis patients. If a swimming facility is not available, a daily walk of 30 to 40 minutes can be very helpful.

Maintaining Good Posture

Good posture has a significant positive impact on managing your condition. Ankylosing Spondylitis can alter the shape of your spine. Maintaining good posture, where your head, neck, and waist are aligned in a straight line, can help control the disease.

Lifestyle Considerations

Quitting Smoking: Smoking cessation has a very positive effect on arthritis management. Balanced Diet: A healthy diet, adequate calcium intake, maintaining an ideal weight, stress management, and yoga can be very helpful for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Medical Management

There are several medications available that can help control Ankylosing Spondylitis effectively. Two important points to consider:

Painkillers as Treatment:

The medications used to treat and control the disease are often the same as regular painkillers. Patients sometimes misunderstand these medications as mere painkillers and stop taking them. It is crucial to follow your rheumatologist's advice and continue these medications regularly, as they are part of the actual treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Advanced Medications:

For patients who do not respond to regular painkillers, there are newer medications available in both tablet and injectable forms. Regular follow-ups with your rheumatologist are essential to adjust your treatment plan and prevent long-term disability.