Ankylosing spondylitis is a painful condition in which the vertebrae of a sufferer’s spine begin to fuse together. This can lead to joint and back pain, or in severe cases, breathing and heart problems.
While medication is the primary way this disease is treated, there are several things you can do on your own to make living with AS a little easier. Here is a look at four lifestyle changes that will serve to both improve your physical condition and your outlook about your diagnosis.
Get active.
Research has found that physical activity can help reduce the pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis. As always, consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. Stretching often helps patients with stiffness and mobility problems, so consider including at least a few yoga poses in your routine. Whatever you end up choosing, start small and gradually increase your intensity in order to prevent injury.
Reconsider your furniture.
Lots of household furniture is designed for comfort rather than promoting good posture, and this is not always conducive to good spine health in AS sufferers. Look for chairs and mattresses that are ergonomically designed—these will keep your posture correct, reduce spinal pressure, and lessen back pain.
Eat right.
There’s lots of unfounded advice about special ankylosing spondylitis diet plans, but in reality there are a few practical and proven nutritional changes you can make to keep your pain at a minimum. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and avocado, has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in joints. Conversely, avoiding things like coffee, alcohol, and red meat can help keep inflammation at bay as well.
Find support.
While ankylosing spondylitis is primarily a physical disease, it can have negative emotional effects on you as well. Since the condition is believed to be almost entirely genetic, it’s not uncommon for sufferers to adopt a “why me?” attitude. Additionally, the lack of mobility that AS causes can often be frustrating, since it limits your ability to do the things you want to do. Talking through these negative emotions with friends, family, or an AS support group can eliminate these feelings or at least make them more bearable.
