LIVING WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS (AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis—a chronic, inflammatory disease—can primarily cause pain in your back, neck, and hips. Pain and stiffness can also occur in other areas of the body such as your shoulders, ribs, heels, and small joints of the hands and feet. The pain associated with AS can also interfere with your sleep, making you feel tired. Because AS can affect you in so many ways, it’s important to talk to your rheumatologist about all of your symptoms and about a treatment plan.
Besides finding the right medication(s), here are a few other steps you can take to help you manage living with ankylosing spondylitis:
Exercise regularly
Back pain caused by AS tends to get worse when you’ve been sitting or lying down for a long period of time, but exercise can help.
Exercise has been shown to help maintain mobility and range of motion, can improve general health and function, and plays a role in helping to prevent and manage deformities related to ankylosing spondylitis.
Get enough sleep
Fatigue is a common problem for those with ankylosing spondylitis. Ask your doctor for tips on improving sleep.
Of course, connecting with a support group and maintaining overall health can help you manage AS symptoms.
FACE THE FACTS
One study found that overall, smokers
with AS have 5.5 times greater spinal
damage than non-smokers.
And it’s even worse for men: the effect
of disease activity as revealed by x-
rays of damage was more than 13
times greater among male smokers
compared to female non-smokers.
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INFO YOU NEED
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DISCOVER A TREATMENT
OPTION FOR AS
Learn about a treatment option that might be right for you and discuss with your doctor.