How to manage ankylosing spondylitis with lifestyle changes

ankylosing spondyloarthritis (AS) causes inflammation of the joints and ligaments of the spine (connective tissue); its symptoms range from mild and occasional to severe and chronic. In severe cases, and as the condition progresses, it can limit mobility as the bones of the spine fuse together and impact other organs in the body.

There is no cure, but there are treatments and medications. In addition, lifestyle changes are recommended that can help control pain, increase your ability to move comfortably, and improve your quality of life.

Read on to learn more about changes and behaviors that can help treat AD when used with medications and other medical treatments.

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Exercise and Stretching

Physical activity is a standard part of AS treatment. Studies have shown that there are long-term benefits to physical activity for people with AS. Participating in low-impact exercises can help you strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility and ability to move comfortably. In addition, exercise can also:

Decrease pain Improve sleep quality Support maintenance of a healthy weight Improve mood

Work with a physical therapist for exercise recommendations

AS treatment aims to reduce pain, slow the progression of the condition, and help you maintain good posture. Your health care provider may recommend that you work with a physical therapist as part of your treatment.
A physical therapist can help you find exercises that strengthen your muscles to support your back and recommend sleeping positions.

healthy eating habits

People with AS who also have a higher body mass index (BMI) may experience more symptoms. Obesity is also associated with increased inflammation in the body. Although no specific diet is recommended for people with AS, it is advisable to eat in a way that helps you maintain a healthy weight. Being at a healthy weight can also reduce stress on your joints.

Stress management

People with chronic pain caused by arthritis, including those living with AS, often experience psychological distress. Chronic pain can increase distress, and distress can increase pain intensity. Additionally, decreased physical functioning due to the condition can also negatively affect your mood.

The incorporation of stress management strategies can complement the treatment of AS. For example, practicing yoga can increase physical functioning and help address psychological distress. Other strategies may include deep breathing, meditation, or tai chi.

Give up smoking

Smoking nicotine products can make AD worse in several ways. It increases inflammation and pain in people with AS and can lead to increased severity and physical disability. Researchers have also found that smoking can increase the likelihood of low back pain and spinal diseases, such as AD.

Quitting smoking reduces inflammation. Studies have found that physical functioning and quality of life increase among people living with AS when they stop smoking.

Practice good posture

In general, maintaining good posture can reduce the severity of AS-related complications. In severe cases, AS causes the bones (vertebrae) of the spine to fuse together, resulting in a slouched position over time. This can make it difficult to get around and complete daily tasks.

Strategies to use that can help with good posture include:

Use pillows when you sleep, such as on your back with a pillow under your knees or between your legs if you sleep on your side. You’ll also want a pillow under your head that allows your neck to stay upright at night. Use a lower back support on a chair when sitting. Bring your shoulder blades together on your back when standing. Take breaks to lift your head if you look down frequently (for example, to check your phone).

Prioritize quality sleep

People who have AS commonly report experiencing fatigue and trouble sleeping. Unfortunately, the medications normally used to treat the condition do not help with fatigue. The way these problems affect your quality of life will differ from person to person. Fatigue can even vary between seasons.

While some people may be prescribed medication to help with sleep problems and fatigue, others may be encouraged to adopt better sleep hygiene habits and avoid naps to get a higher-quality sleep at night.

Summary

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a genetic autoimmune condition that can cause chronic pain, limit your ability to function physically, and affect your quality of life. While there is no cure, lifestyle changes can help with treatment.

Research shows that lifestyle behaviors such as exercising, maintaining good posture, strengthening muscles, eating healthy, practicing good sleep hygiene, managing stress, and quitting if you smoke can help slow the progression. of the illness. Your health care provider can discuss how to include these strategies in your treatment plan or help you find additional support.

A word from Verywell

Being diagnosed with a condition that has no cure can be daunting, especially if it affects every aspect of your daily life. However, researchers have helped highlight the significant impact of lifestyle behaviors on effective treatment.

Learning about AD and its treatments, talking regularly with your health care provider, and seeking additional support can help you cope and have the best possible quality of life while living with AD.

Frequent questions

What lifestyle choices can make ankylosing spondylitis worse?

Several factors can make ankylosing spondylitis worse. These include smoking, being obese, and not being physically active. These factors are associated with poor physical functioning, quality of life, and a decreased response to AD treatment.

What medications are used to treat ankylosing spondylitis?

Some types of drugs are used to treat AD, particularly to relieve inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), injectable corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are taken to help reduce inflammation.

Can you reverse AS?

There is no cure for AD. Treatments, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery can help control the condition and increase your quality of life.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we check the facts and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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