Home Treatments Can Help Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare inflammatory condition that can be really difficult to live with, but you can help manage the symptoms of this debilitating disease with smart lifestyle choices, ranging from a specific exercise plan to more unusual treatments like acupuncture. This article focuses on these at-home treatments that will make life with this condition easier, can slow down the progression of the disease and prevent the development of dangerous complications. 

 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms Of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) vary greatly, with some patients reporting back pain and stiffness in their late adolescence, and others starting to experience pain or immobility in other parts of the body as late as their mid-40s. Since the causes of the condition are still unknown, it is difficult to predict why people develop AS, but it is known that it may have a genetic component. 

 

Also, men are more likely to suffer from AS than women, and in women, the condition more often manifests itself differently than in men, making diagnosis even more challenging. AS typically starts in the lower back, but it can affect most joints, such as: 

 

The joint between connecting the spine with the pelvis 

 

Vertebrae, especially the lower back 

 

Hips 

 

Shoulders 

 

Ribs and the breastbone.​ 

 

Despite the great variability, AS can be characterized by the following symptoms depending on the stage of the development of the disease:

 

Back pain 

 

Stiffness 

 

Symptoms typically worsen during periods of inactivity, such as sleep or long periods of sitting 

 

Poor posture or stooped shoulders 

 

Pain and lack of flexibility in the feet 

 

Loss of appetite 

 

Low-grade fever 

 

Weight loss 

 

Fatigue 

 

Anemia or low iron. 

 

If left untreated, the vertebrae in the lower back can fuse together, causing a characteristic tilt forward of the upper body. The complications of the disease include eye damage, problems breathing and even heart damage. Medical interventions and surgery are the traditional ways of managing the symptoms of AS, but doctors urge AS patients to stay active to slow the progression of the disease, as there is no cure for AS.

Below, we discuss natural treatments and why they are beneficial to AS patients. 

 

Yoga and Stretching

Retaining your flexibility and range of motion is one of the main goals for an AS patient, as it helps your posture and reduces the pain. Yoga and stretching on a daily basis can make your spine and joints more flexible and improve your strength. Here is an example of yoga exercises beneficial for your spine. 

 

 

Heat and cold therapy

Hot and cold temperatures are your friend if you’re experiencing stiffness or if your joints feel inflamed and painful. A warming shower or heating pads can decrease the pain and stiffness that come with AS, and ice packs may be helpful at reducing inflammation. 

 

 

Exercise

Exercises that aim to stabilize and strengthen the joints are very beneficial to AS patients. These include range-of-motion exercises and strength training exercises. Strength exercises will also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is very important for AS patients. We have a dedicated article on the types of exercise that can reduce pain and inflammation that can be accessed through this link. 

 

 

Posture training

As we have discussed above, bad posture is one of the symptoms of AS, as the stiffness and the pain in the spine affect one’s posture. Practice good posture, give yourself reminders and be aware of how you carry your weight on a regular basis. You can also use special devices, such as chairs and seats that encourage good posture. 

 

 

Therapeutic Massages

Therapeutic massages are beneficial for people suffering from AS, as they can help with the range of motion. Both relaxing and invigorating massages are beneficial, just make sure to mention to your massage therapist that you have AS, as deep tissue massage and joint massage is usually prohibited for patients with AS, and therapists use a specific kind of technique to relieve the pain and inflammation for this condition. 

 

 

Acupuncture

This Ancient Chinese medicinal technique is known for stimulating specific points in the body, which triggers the release of pain-relieving hormones in the brain so this treatment can be beneficial for relieving pain for some AS patients. If you’re considering acupuncture to treat AS, look for a trained professional who works in a clean environment and uses sterile or disposable needles. 

 

In summary, there are a variety of different home treatments of ankylosing spondylitis that will help people suffering from this condition maintain an active and fulfilling life, but each treatment should be discussed and supported by a medical professional for your safety.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Home Remedies for Knee Aches and Pains

Knee pain afflicts a startling number of people, particularly those of us who've been around for a few decades. To prevent this debilitating pain from getting the better of you, try these healthy and natural home remedies:

Aging invariably results in more aches & pains, and knee pain is the most common complaint that doctors and physical therapists hear. The knee if vulnerable due to its high wear and tear factor. If knee pain bothers you, here are a few things you can do alleviate it at home-

Assess your pain

Always seek help for moderate to severre knee pain, as it could indicate that you require physical therapy, a brace or even surgery. Home treatments for knee pain should only be used when the pain is mild to moderate, such as those caused by sprains, arthritis or inflammation.

Treat pain due to injury

Remember the mnemonic RICE if you’ve twisted your leg, fallen or strained your knee.

Rest- stay off your feet

Ice- ice or cold compress the injured area

Compress- wrap a compression bandage around your knee

Elevate – lie on a bed or use a foot stool to keep your leg elevated.

Treat pain due to arthritis

The lubrication and padding around knee joints deteriorate with aging, meaning that the joints come into contact with each other and become inflamed. This is known as osteoarthritis.

In more severe cases, doctors usually recommend replacement artificial cartilage. However mild to moderate pain can be treated with dietary supplements or alternative therapies.

Willow bark

The salicin in willow bark acts the same way as aspirin. It is used to treat fever, inflammation, headaches, muscle pain, spinal diseases, arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Ginger extract

You can drink ginger extract as a tea, eat it as a dried spice or take prepackaged supplements. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can greatly reduce knee pain when taken together with arthritis medication.

Herbal ointment

A salve made from cinnamon, ginger, mastic, and sesame oil is just as effective as over-the –counter medicine. Traditional arthritis medicines contain salicylate, which is used topically to relieve pain.

Heat and cold therapy

Invest in a heating pad, gel-style cold pack or cool compress if you have chronic pain. These can easily be found at a drug store or ordered online. Heat prevents stiff joints, while cold reduces pain and swelling.

Tai-chi

The mental aspect of practicing Tai chi promotes coping mechanisms for chronic pain, and the physical exercise helps reduce pain and increases your range of motion.

Exercise and weight management

Do your utmost to keep off unnecessary weight to lessen the impact on your knee joints, and take up a swimming or walking to ensure that you move them sufficiently to prevent them from stiffening up.

Finding care- final note

Note that some dietary supplements and alternative therapies can interfere with any prescribed medication you might be taking. Always see your doctor to find the cause of any pain.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement