What is ankylosing spondylitis?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 30-year-old friend has ankylosing spondylitis, and she is been having a hard time finding exercises that do not cause more pain. What types of exercises are best for people with AS, and are there any pain relief options that are not heavy medications? She is worried about the long-term effects of taking painkillers all the time but she does not know what else to try. Should she avoid certain activities altogether?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

For individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), exercise is vital for maintaining mobility, reducing stiffness, and improving posture, but it must be approached carefully to avoid exacerbating pain.

The best exercises for AS focus on gentle stretching, low-impact cardio, and strengthening the core and back muscles.

Stretching: Yoga and Pilates can help improve posture and reduce stiffness, emphasizing gentle stretches for the spine and hips. A physical therapist can recommend specific moves tailored to her needs.
Low-impact activity: Water-based exercises are excellent for AS as they are low-impact, reduce strain on joints, and encourage full-body movement.
Walking and cycling: Walking and cycling also help individuals with AS.
Breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises can improve chest expansion, which is often limited in AS.
Regular sessions of physiotherapy can help build strength and improve function.

She should avoid high-impact activities like running or heavy weightlifting, which can worsen inflammation and strain the joints. Activities that require twisting or repetitive movements of the spine may also be harmful. Hot packs and cold packs can help to relieve pain.

Encourage her to work closely with her rheumatologist and physical therapist to find a balanced approach that keeps her active while managing pain effectively and minimizing reliance on painkillers.

I hope this helps.

Take care.

Regards.