Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare, but painful form of arthritis which occurs in the spine. Overtime, bones in the spine, as well as those in your hips, chest plate, and ribs may begin to fuse together. This fusion causes stiffness and reduces mobility.
This arthritic disorder is more typically found in teenage and young adult males, although it is not age or gender specific. While the most common symptoms are found at the back, it can also affect your eyes and other areas of the body, due to the high levels of inflammation which occur.
There is no cure for the disorder, but anti-inflammatory medications have been known to provide temporary pain relief. For a look at 9 natural ways to relieve ankylosing spondylitis pain, read on.
1.) Stretching
Stretching should be an important part of any daily routine, arthritis or no arthritis, but it has been shown to provide some extended levels of mobility, and even offer some pain relief for those with ankylosing spondylitis. Carefully stretching arms, shoulders, legs, and your back can loosen muscles, and ease stiffness. This will also help with blood circulation, which may offer reprieve from stiffness and inflammation.
2.) Soaking in Warm Water
The age old technique of using cold temperature for swelling and heat for pain holds true, especially with symptoms of arthritis. Unfortunately, cold packs and ice can make arthritic joints feel stiffer, but a soak in warm water will ease the pain and help you feel looser and less stiff. Whether you choose to soak in the tub or apply a hot water bottle to areas with increased pain levels, you will notice a difference with this remedy.
3.) Regular Low Impact Exercise
It's tough to exercise when you're in pain but low impact cardiovascular routines, such as swimming or cycling will allow you to stretch your body, and retain optimal blood flow to reduce inflammation and strengthen muscles.
4.) Rest and Relaxation
Resting your body is important because your cells regenerate when you sleep. Don't over-strain yourself and get 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
5.) Massage
Massage helps to reduce pain and inflammation by creating proper blood flow and circulation. Even a few half hour appointments throughout the week can make a big difference in the ankylosing spondylitis pain symptoms.
6.) Acupuncture
An age old medical treatment, acupuncture is designed to treat different areas of your body with surface level needle pricks. It is said to create better circulation and reduce pain.
7.) Yoga
A low impact exercise, which requires plenty of stretching, yoga is perfect to ease pain, improve posture, and strengthen your body.
8.) Ergonomic Support at Work and Home
As far as the 9 natural ways to relieve ankylosing spondylitis pain at home go, this is a crucial one to follow, especially for those who work sitting on office chairs all day. Retaining proper posture will slow down the fusion process which occurs with this type of arthritis. As your spine stiffens and seizes, it will make you want to hunch over, but sitting up straight will help retain proper bone placement, and keep spinal bones from fusing together into a permanent hunch.
9.) Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Tiny electrical impulses are delivered to areas of pain with a TENs unit portable machine through tiny electrode patches. The electrical currents are very mild and they prevent the pain signals from reaching the brain.
It should be pointed out that before trying any of these 9 natural ways to relieve ankylosing spondylitis pain, speak to your physician first.