Ankylosing spondylitis is a debilitating condition characterized by inflammation of joints between spinal bones as well as joints between the spine and pelvis. This inflammation eventually leads to fusion of the affected joints and decrease mobility.
Exercises are integral part of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis. They are supposed to be performed on a daily bases for approximately 5-10 minutes. With adequate exercise program patients may maintain proper posture, preserve flexibility and sometimes even bring pain under control. Most patients who have engaged in such physical activity reported that they have been feeling much better ever since they started exercising.Ankylosing Spondylitis - Exercise Guidelines
It is essential to set up a goal and to stick to a well organized exercise plan. There are actually several goals of such treatment including preservation of appropriate posture, flexibility and reduction of pain.
Before starting with any kind of physical activity, patients are due to consult their doctors as well as physical therapist who will create an exercise plan and make all the necessary treatment adjustments.Additional Help
The person should exercise at a time of day that is convenient. Since the majority of patients are actually stiff in the morning, the best results are achieved at midday or in the evening. Sometimes the program may be divided into two halves and one can exercise twice a day.
One of the most important things is to learn listening to one's body and decide what body part requires stretching and what needs to be straighten.
Furthermore, the person should exercise on a carpeted floor or a mat, both of which provide comfort and cushion the spine. Finally, one may put some music on. It basically stimulates a patient to exercise and makes him/her feel more relaxed.
It may be quite difficult at the beginning of the exercise session because this is the time when pain is most intensive. Also, some patients do exaggerate and push their body over the limit. It is best to perform less exercises but in an appropriate manner.Ankylosing Spondylitis and Posture
Two of the main goals of exercises for ankylosing spondylitis are practicing good posture techniques and maintaining good posture.
The vicious circle these patients commonly face with begins with a tendency to bend over when experiencing excruciating pain in the spine. This pose does not help at all. Instead, it only makes pain even worse.
It is inevitable for these patients to develop joint fusion eventually. However, this complication of the disease may be successfully prevented with encouragement to maintain good posture which is achieved only with regular exercises.
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