Non-Medicinal Treatments

These forms of treatment are an integral part to your AS management and should be done on a regular basis. Most exercises can be done anywhere at any time. These all-natural treatments provide relief through movement and physical sensation while decreasing the risk of future complications like kyphosis, stiffness and loss of mobility.

Most non-medicinal aids require movement of the body – a lot to be asked when you’re experiencing pain and stiffness. Stretches and exercises, as long as you do them at least once a day, can be performed at times when you are feeling most flexible – usually not in the morning. Remember not to push yourself too hard and to be good to your body. These forms of treatment will physically make you feel better.

• Physical Therapy: Your physical therapist will create different routines for you to follow including breathing exercises to increase lung expansion (poor chest wall movement is a symptom of AS). You may be told to sleep on a firm mattress – without a pillow – either on your chest or back to prevent spine curvature (Shiel). Aerobic sports and exercise programs that involve flexing the joints and back increase mobility and ease any pain and stiffness.

• Breathing: Deep breathing throughout the day helps maximize chest expansion and lung capacity. Make a conscious effort to breathe in deeply, hold it, and let the air out slowly. Chest bones can fuse during the progression of AS, and deep breathing will help maintain a normal lung capacity.

• Exercise: With the help of a physical therapist or exercise program outlined by your rheumatologist, physical activity can decrease the pain and stiffness in your lower back and joints. Exercising also helps you maintain a full range of spinal movement and increases back flexibility. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for AS patients due to its low impact on the back. Some experts believe constant movement can limit the amount of spinal deformity associated with AS (Patient UK).

• The National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) provides AS patients a dozen different exercises to improve mobility and ease stiffness and pain. Click here to enter the site. www.nass.co.uk/exercises.htm

• Stretching: Just like before partaking in any form of exercise, it’s always smart to stretch your muscles and joints to avoid injury. With AS patients, stretching the back goes one step further and helps minimize the risk of kyphosis and fusion of other joints. Stretching your joints and muscles on a daily basis helps decrease stiffness. This can be done at any point of the day, though later is sometimes better than sooner since many people with AS feel exceptionally stiff when first waking up – making stretching more difficult and less effective.

• Posture: Maintaining a constant upright posture is one of the best habits a person living with AS can develop. Whether you’re sitting in your chair at work, driving in the car or hanging out at home – consciously keeping an erect posture is a surefire way to decrease the strain gravity and spine curvature impose on your back. The SAA offers these posture exercises:

• Hold your chin horizontal and parallel to the floor with your neck slightly arched back. Try to hold this position at all times.
• In front of a mirror, stand with your back against a wall to check your posture. No part of your body should actually be touching the wall. Hold the position for fives seconds, relax, and do it again. Check for any change and notify your rheumatologist.
• Lie face down on a hard, flat surface for twenty minutes. Your head can be to the side, resting on your hands or facing down. Try to lie flat and keep your spine as straight as possible.

• Heat: Hot water bottles, warm baths and hot showers can help reduce soreness in stiff joints. Taking a hot shower before exercising or practicing posture technique will ease the strain on joints.

• Cold: Cold packs or cool baths/showers can help reduce swelling.

• Side Notes: Stay away from any form of constricting clothing like corsets and braces. Try sleeping on a firm mattress. Consciously remind yourself to sit and stand upright. Quit smoking immediately.

Medicinal Treatmants

CAM Treatments