Your Health

Ankylosing Spondylitis – Pain Management

Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the most common causes of back pain in many people. As a type of arthritis, the condition would lead to many health issues with your spinal areas and bones. Men are often at higher risk of developing ankylosing than women. This progressive inflammatory disease is often characterized by swelling in the spine and surrounding joints. Over time, chronic inflammation would result in spinal fusion and deformity. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate and improve symptoms. Let’s take a look at 8 common methods to manage pain in people with ankylosing spondylitis.

Massage

People with ankylosing spondylitis often experience pain around the lower back. While several prescriptions and OTC drugs can help, they might not be enough, let alone some possible side effects. Massages can provide relief from muscle stiffness and pain caused by inflammation in these areas without issues. Different people would need various forms of massage, but most therapists often start with soft tissue massages. In some cases, special oils can be used to deal with inflammation. However, not all patients can tolerate massages as the lightest touch would be painful. Therefore, discuss carefully before choosing this treatment option. [1]