Pain management for your back
The best defense against back pain from ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is controlling your disease with a daily treatment plan. It will usually include medications your doctor recommends. When the pain is worse than normal and youre having a flare, your doctor may have you try other drugs.
But you can take steps on your own, in addition to meds, to ease pain and stiffness.
Ways to get started
Work with a physical therapist. Exercise is an important part of everyday treatment. When you strengthen the muscles that support the spine, you can boost your flexibility and lower pain.
Its best to work with a qualified therapist. She can make sure youre using proper form. When some exercises are done the wrong way, they can make you feel worse.
A trainer can keep you on the right track and motivated. In addition to strength training and stretching, your program might include exercising in water (hydrotherapy), posture training, and deep-breathing exercises.
Having a flare? Use heat or ice. A physical therapist may recommend either hot or cold therapy.
When applied to inflamed areas, cold packs can lower swelling.
Heat can be used to loosen up tight muscles and ease joint stiffness. Take a warm shower before a workout, for example, to help you move better.
Take frequent breaks. For some people, if you dont move a lot it can make symptoms worse. If you have to sit for long periods of time at work, try to get up every hour or so to stretch or walk around. (Your doctor can write a note so that you can take regular breaks.)
Practice good posture. Hunching over may make back pain feel better for a short time. But it only strains your spine more. There is also a risk that your vertebrae -- small, linked bones that form your backbone -- could fuse in a bent-forward position.
Ask your spouse, coworker, or friend to remind you to keep your back straight. If you work at a computer, make sure your station is set up to promote good posture.
Eat smart. Healthy food choices and watching your portions can control your weight, and thats important. Extra pounds mean extra pressure on your spine and joints. While there is no one diet thats recommended for AS, foods with anti-inflammatory properties -- such as those high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon) -- could help.
Stop smoking. Lighting up makes AS more damaging and hard to treat. Ask your doctor about products and strategies that can help you ditch the habit.
Medicines to Control Pain When Youre Having a Flare
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include medications like ibuprofen and naproxen. NSAIDs, which lower inflammation, may be a part of your regular daily treatment plan. If thats the case, dont take more without talking with your
doctor. If NSAIDs arent a part of your treatment plan, also talk with your doctor.
Corticosteroids. If NSAIDs arent enough to control your joint pain, your doctor may use these drugs. They might be injected into stiff, painful joints to reduce swelling and provide temporary relief. But doctors will limit their use because steroid injections can cause damage to the soft tissues and bone.
If youre one of the 40% of people with ankylosing spondylitis who have inflammation in the eyes (iritis), corticosteroid eye drops can be prescribed to lower swelling and irritation.
Steroid pills are also sometimes prescribed to help with eye or joint flares.
Muscle relaxants. Your doctor may be able to prescribe these to help reduce painful muscle spasms, ease stiffness, and make it easier to exercise. They usually only will do this for short times.
Opioids. While these drugs arent usually one of the first things your doctor will try, they can relieve severe pain that doesnt respond to NSAIDs or other treatments. Opioids can be habit-forming though, so its important that your doctor keep an eye on you if you take these medications.
Source: WebMD
