Exercise is one of the best things you can do when you have ankylosing spondylitis, as it can help ease symptoms like joint pain and stiffness and maintain joint mobility and function.
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and stiffness and prevent or delay complications and spinal deformity. Ankylosing spondylitis treatment is most successful before the disease causes irreversible damage.
Some foods can trigger ankylosing spondylitis, so it's important to avoid certain foods to prevent inflammation. These include foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar; processed foods, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and others.
While diet alone can't cure or treat ankylosing spondylitis, a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acid–rich foods like wild salmon may help you better manage symptoms, particularly those related to inflammation.
If you have ankylosing spondylitis, you may have pain and stiffness at night, in the morning, or when you're not active. The pain may begin in the joints between your pelvis and spine and then move along your spine. Your pain may get better with movement or exercise.
Don't do movements that cause pain
Carefully consider high-impact exercises, such as running, or jarring and twisting sports, such as tennis, squash, and racquetball. These could increase pain in the spine, hips, and knees.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eat lots of whole grains. Limit saturated fat and sugar, which are known for being inflammatory foods. Limit processed foods, which are often high in sodium and low in fiber and other nutrients.
“Occasionally steroid medications such as prednisone, which are potent anti-inflammatories, are used for severe flares not responding to more conservative measures.” NSAIDs are considered first-line therapy for people with ankylosing spondylitis; biologic drugs are typically recommended after people don't get relief ...
Drinking enough water is important for anyone, but it's crucial if you have an inflammatory disease, such as AS. Water keeps joints and bones healthy and lessens inflammation, which along with a healthy lifestyle could improve symptoms.
Some people with AS are able to remain fully independent or minimally disabled in the long term. However, some people eventually become severely disabled as a result of the bones in their spine fusing in a fixed position and damage to other joints, such as the hips or knees.
The pain typically worsens during periods of rest or inactivity, which may cause some people to experience more pain during the middle of the night or after prolonged sitting. Usually, moving and exercise can help improve pain. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary from person to person.
Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific cause, though genetic factors seem to be involved. In particular, people who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greatly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. However, only some people with the gene develop the condition.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory disorder and a rare form of arthritis. Triggers for ankylosing spondylitis include infections (gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections [UTIs], and respiratory infections), heavy physical activity, work stress, emotional stress, and pregnancy.
For those who can safely exercise, Dr. Tehrani recommends low-impact activities like walking. Joint deformities, fused joints, misinformation, and fear of getting hurt can discourage some people from exercising, Tehrani says, but walking is a great way to ease into physical activity.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the axial spine that can manifest with various clinical signs and symptoms. Chronic back pain and progressive spinal stiffness are the most common features of the disease.
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which help decrease inflammation and fight the effects of free radicals in your body. Much of their inflammation-fighting power comes from anthocyanin, the antioxidant flavonoid that gives them their distinctive color.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can make your back stiff and achy. And it can feel even worse if you sit for a long time. Lower the seat of your desk chair so your thighs are at a right angle when you sit. It's best if you can plant your feet firmly on the floor.
That's because stress can exacerbate ankylosing spondylitis symptoms, including pain, according to the Spondylitis Association of America. Stress may also trigger an ankylosing spondylitis flare, a period of increased inflammation and worsening symptoms.
Best Exercises for Ankylosing Spondylitis. When it comes to exercising with AS, the “no pain, no gain” philosophy is the wrong approach. Rather, pain-free low- or no-impact activities, such as yoga, tai chi, swimming, walking, or cycling are best for people with joint pain, according to Mayo Clinic.