Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, which causes pain, stiffness, and limitation of movement. There is no permanent cure for ankylosing spondylitis; however, you can effectively manage your AS and make a significant difference in the quality of your life. Introduce small changes to your daily routine that will make a big difference in your discomfort and allow you to remain pain-free. Let's check out some of the best tips for daily comfort from AS.
Start Your Day with Movement
People with AS often find mornings challenging, especially after long periods of inactivity, as stiffness can be bothersome. In the morning, try to get up by rolling toe-to-heel to get your blood flowing, and use gentle stretching or yoga to help alleviate the tightness in your muscles. You can easily do neck rolls and gentle stretches for your sides and back extensions to loosen out your spine so that you can prepare for your day daily.
Maintain a Proper Posture
Maintaining good posture is essential to prevent pressure on your spine all day. Sit in a chair with lumbar support, try your best not to slouch, and make sure your computer screen is at eye level while working. Ergonomic workstations are great to use as they encourage an upright and neutral spine position. Developing awareness of your posture will help protect you from long-term damage to your structure and provide you relief from pain.
Physiotherapy for Symptom Relief
Physiotherapy specific to ankylosing spondylitis helps one maintain mobility while managing pain more effectively through targeted exercise. A physiotherapist will assess your body and create an exercise program that suits your body. If you live in the NCR, the best physiotherapy center in Gurgaon can help you relieve the symptoms, improve flexibility, and improve your posture with different kinds of therapies.
Keep Yourself Active
Resting is always important but regular activity of your body helps alleviate symptoms and delay the progression of the disorder. Passive activities such as swimming, walking, cycling and light yoga are examples of a low-impact modality. These types of activities help offset loss of muscle strength, loss of flexibility and loss of cardiovascular health without placing stress on the joints. Consistency is the key—aim for at least 30 minutes a day.
Follow a Healthy Diet
While diet alone will not help you treat ankylosing spondylitis, eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help you relieve the symptoms to a great extent. Your diet should include omega-3-rich foods like fish and walnuts, leafy greens, berries, and whole grains. Try to reduce sugar, processed foods, and alcohol. Drink plenty of water, as it helps in protecting the joints and facilitates proper function of your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I reverse ankylosing spondylitis?
A1: AS cannot be reversed. However, with treatment and by making some lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage symptoms of AS and also slow its progression.
Q2: How often should I get physiotherapy ankylosing spondylitis?
A2: During the initial stages, it would be preferable to see a physiotherapist once a week or every other week. The frequency will depend on your progress and your requirements.
Q3: Is physiotherapy better than medications for AS?
A3: They both are important in their way. The role of medication is to help control the inflammation and pain, while physiotherapy will help increase your flexibility, posture, and physical ability.
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