Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and hips and can lead to severe pain and stiffness.
Overview and symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis, is a type of inflammatory disease that mainly affects the spine.
Over time, the inflammation can lead to changes in the bones (ankylosis – new bone formation) causing sections of the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can lead to a hunched posture. AS can also impact other areas of the body such as the neck, hips, and ribs. If the joints in the chest are affected, it may become harder to take deep breaths.
Symptoms tend to develop gradually, usually over several months or years, and may come and go over time. In some people the condition gets better with time, but for others it can get slowly worse.
The symptoms of AS can vary, but usually involve:
- Back pain and stiffness
- The pain gets better with exercise, but does not improve or gets worse with rest.
- The pain and stiffness is worse in the morning and at night – you may wake up regularly during the night because of the pain.
- You have pain in the area around your buttocks
- Arthritis
AS can also cause inflammation of the joints in other parts of your body, such as your hips and knees. The main symptoms associated with arthritis are:
- Pain on moving the affected joint.
- Tenderness when the affected joint is examined.
- Swelling and warmth in the affected area.
- Enthesitis
This is painful inflammation where a tendon joins a bone. Common sites for enthesitis to occur are:
- At the top of the shin bone.
- Behind the heel (Achilles tendon).
- Under the heel.
- Where the ribs join the breast bone.
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Fatigue is a common symptom of AS. It can make you feel tired and lacking in energy.
For more information and advice go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/symptoms
Treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as ibuprofen) — are the medicines healthcare professionals most commonly use to treat the symptoms. These medicines can relieve inflammation, pain and stiffness. Always contact your GP for more advice before taking any medication.
Osteopathy treatments can lessen symptoms, manage pain and possibly slow down the progression of the disease.
Exercise:
Movement is crucial in managing the pain and stiffness associated with the condition. Regular physical activity and tailored exercises can help maintain flexibility, improve posture, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life for those living with ankylosing spondylitis.
Here, we explore our top 5 exercises:
1. Spine stretch
Ankylosing spondylitis can shorten the spine and muscles in your back.
Using a press-up method to strengthen the spine can lessen shortening, reduce back pain, and improve muscle strength.
- Lie on your stomach with your legs behind you.
- Slowly prop yourself up on your elbows so your chest is off the ground.
- If you’re able, straighten your arms.
- Hold for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Repeat 3-5 times.
- Do this move once a day.
2. Wall Sit
This exercise helps strengthen muscles in the back, shoulder, neck, buttocks, and hips.
- Start by standing with your back against a wall. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and away from the wall.
- Slowly slide your back slowly down the wall to the point where your thighs are parallel to the floor – as if in a sitting position.
- Hold the position for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Repeat up to five times.
- Try this exercise at least 3 times a week.
3. Leg Raises
- While standing, keep your back straight and slightly bend your knees.
- Slowly lift one leg to the side a few inches off the ground, then lower it. Make sure you are maintaining good posture.
- Bring that same leg back up behind you in a 45-degree angle and hold for a few seconds. Avoid bending over or leaning forward.
- Repeat 10 times for each leg.
- Do this exercise up to 5 times a week.
- You can use a chair or railing for support if needed.
4. Shoulder Rolls
This is an easy exercise that can be done daily and simply added to your normal routine. Try it while sitting at your desk or making a cup of tea.
- Stand or sit tall – It is important to keep the spine as straight as you comfortably can.
- Gently shrug your shoulders towards your ears and the move them back down.
- If you’re doing this exercise right, you will feel a tug in your upper back.
- Take a 5-second break between shoulder shrugs and repeat up to 10 times.
5. Chin Tucks
Chin tucks can help strengthen the neck and loosen stiffness. For comfort and support, tuck a small rolled up towel under your neck.
- Lie on your back.
- Without lifting your head, tuck your chin towards your chest.
- Hold this position for up to 10 seconds.
- Repeat this exercise up to 5 times a couple of times a day.
How can osteopathy help?
Movement therapy is a very important part of the treatment plan for those living with Ankylosing spondylitis. It can help relieve pain while improving flexibility, posture and strength. Osteopathy can provide tailored advice and specific exercises to suit your needs and help preserve good posture, improve range of motion, offer strengthening exercises and even review sleeping positions.
Recommended treatments:
1. Osteopathy: using a combination of soft tissue, visceral, cranial, joint mobilisation and manipulation techniques to restore normal function to the body. Each treatment is specifically tailored to your personal needs.
2. Massage: when you pushed it too hard, or the body wants to give up, treat your body to a massage! Our massage therapist offers a range of treatments such as clinical massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage and thai foot massage. So, whether you’re looking to alleviate pain or stiffness, improve your athletic performance, or simply unwind and destress, we are here to help.
3. Assisted Stretching: helping you to unlock your body’s full potential when it comes to range of motion. Our tailored approach combines a variety of techniques to improve your flexibility and improve pain. This one-to-one assisted stretching system combines mindful stretching, breathing exercises, and targeted movements to release tension and boost your mood.
Call us on 01444 441160 to book an appointment or to speak to one of our osteopaths about treatment options.