Exercise Advices for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation and stiffness in the spine and other joints. Exercise can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here are some exercise advices for Ankylosing spondylitis:

• Do a variety of exercises that include stretching, strengthening, aerobic, and balance activities. Stretching can improve your flexibility and posture, strengthening can support your joints and muscles, aerobic can boost your heart and lung health, and balance can prevent falls and fractures.

• Choose exercises that you enjoy and that suit your preferences, lifestyle, and needs. You can try walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates, or tai chi. You can also join a group class or work with a physical therapist for guidance and support.

• Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises. Warm up before and cool down after each session. Listen to your body and do not overdo it. If you feel pain, stop and rest. If the pain persists or worsens, consult your healthcare provider.

• Exercise regularly and consistently. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. You can break it up into shorter sessions if needed. Find a time and place that works for you and stick to a routine.

• Combine exercise with other self-care practices, such as taking your medications, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and quitting smoking. These can help you control your inflammation, reduce your pain, and enhance your well-being.

How does exercise improve symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?

Exercise is essential for AS treatment and has many benefits. You should do different exercises to improve your:

Core strength. The muscles in your core area (torso) help your spine stay straight. The upper back has the rib cage to support it, but the lower back doesn’t. That’s where most people hurt.” Work on your abdominal muscles to make your lower back more stable.

Spinal flexibility. AS can make your back joints stick or join together. This makes you less mobile. Stretching exercises can keep your spine flexible and your posture good.

Balance. Some people with AS use steroid medicines for a long time. This can make your bones weak or brittle, which can cause a break. Practicing your balance can prevent falls and injuries.

Heart health. AS is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation. Inflammation can raise your risk of heart disease. To fight that, do aerobic exercise as part of your workout. It helps your heart and lungs and also it can lower your pain and lift your mood.

You can always contact Dr Chinmoy Roy at Rajarhat pain clinic at Newtown, Kolkata for best advices.