Spondylitis, also called ankylosing sondylitis and rhematoid spondylitis, is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints between the spinal vertebrae and pelvis. Exercise is an important part of managing spondylitis and preventing deformities. Your physical therapist should provide you with a specific program of exercises that meet your needs. Spondylitis exercises include strengthening exercises for the back and neck. These exercises correct posture. Breathing and aerobic exercises are also useful for flexibility in the chest and rib cage.
Upper Body Range-of-Motion
Daily range-of-motion stretches promote flexibility. A good way to stretch the upper body is to do a simple exercise with your arms. To do this exercise, stand up straight and reach your arms forward. Hold for 5 seconds. Drop your arms and relax. Do 10 repetitions. Then, bring your arms behind you and reach backward for 5 seconds. Pinch your shoulder blades together to open your chest as you hold your arms behind you. Relax and repeat 10 times. This exercise stretches your chest, shoulders, arms and back.
Back Against the Wall Exercise
The back against the wall is a postural exercise and a way to check your spinal alignment. You should always "think tall" during this exercise, which means to align your head over your torso with your chin parallel to the floor. This is good practice for maintaining correct posture whenever you're seated or standing. Place your back against a wall with your legs straight and heels approximately 4 inches from the wall to begin the exercise. Touch your buttocks and shoulders to the wall, or as close as you can and hold them there for 5 seconds. This also lets you check your spinal alignment by measuring how close the back of your head can get to the wall.
Prone Lying
Prone lying is the best posture exercise, according to the Spondylitis Association of America. Even though you lie down, this exercise improves your ability to stand up straight. To do prone lying, lie face down on a firm mattress or mat on the floor. Lying flat is ideal, but if you cannot do so then put a folded towel under your forehead or a pillow beneath your chest. Start with 1 minute and work up to 20 minutes. You may turn your head to either side during the exercise.
Aerobic Exercise
Low-impact aerobic exercise is best for spondylitis sufferers. The Arthritis Society cites cycling and swimming as two types of aerobic exercise that are usually appropriate for people with spondylitis. The Spondylitis Association of America recommends walking, aquatic exercise and tai chi. Taking a hot bath or shower prior to exercise reduces stiffness and pain, though you should not put heat onto an inflamed joint. The morning is generally not a good time to exercise because of stiffness. Ask your physician how frequently you should do aerobic exercise and listen to your body.
References
- Arthritis Today: Back or Neck Braces
- UW Medicine Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com: Stretching Range of Motion Exercises for Arthritis
- MayoClinic.com: Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Arthritis Society: Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Spondylitis Association of America: Spondylitis: Frequently Asked Questions
