Exercise can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Association of America reports that daily exercise, combined with the proper medication dose, can help you lessen pain and maintain good posture and flexibility. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program, particularly if you experience fusion in any of your bones.
Identification
Ankylosing spondylitis causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in your spinal joints, although it can also affect other joints in the hands, hips, shoulders, heels and feet. Pain may not be continuous, but it could flare up. In between flares, you may experience fewer symptoms or a remission. As the disease progresses, bones in the spine may fuse together, making movement more difficult and causing a stooped posture in some cases. Ankylosing spondylitis is often an inherited condition, although you may be more likely to develop it if you have frequent infections of the gastrointestinal system.
Exercises
Stretching your back muscles can help increase your comfort level. Start the exercise on your hands and knees, keeping your back flat. Exhale and arch your back by pulling your abdominal muscles up. Inhale and return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise five to 10 times.
Performing standing exercises can also help you maintain good posture. Perform one exercise by facing away from a wall, with your shoulder, buttocks and head very close or touching the wall. Keep your heels 4 inches from the wall. Hold the position for approximately five seconds, return to a normal standing position and repeat the exercise up to 10 times. Looking in a mirror while you do the exercise will help you ensure that you are maintaining good posture. You can vary this exercise by alternately raising each arm with your elbow straight. Keep your arm straight for five seconds before returning to the starting position.
Exercise Considerations
Taking a warm bath or shower before exercising will help loosen your muscles and increase flexibility while you exercise. When beginning an exercise program, start slowly, gradually increasing repetitions as your body adjusts to exercise. The World Arthritis Day website suggests avoiding any exercises that require bending any of the fused or hypermobile joints and avoiding sports or activities that involve the risk of falling. Swimming in a heated pool or performing yoga or tai chi can provide a low-impact workout that doesn't stress joints.
Treatment
In addition to adding exercises to your daily routine, your doctor may also suggest that you take a daily medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce pain, stiffness and joint inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs if NSAIDS don't manage your pain effectively. TNF blockers may be prescribed if other drugs aren't helpful. Taking TNF blockers may increase your chance of developing certain infections, such as tuberculosis and your doctor may require a negative tuberculosis treatment before you begin taking this medication. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct spinal curvatures and replace affected joints.
