Despite the complexity and whole-body involvement of AS, you can live well with this disease—it may require some preparation and resiliency, but it can be done by taking it one step and one day at a time.
Emotional
The pain experienced by those with ankylosing spondylitis has psychological consequences, commonly causing feelings of helplessness, fear, anxiety, and sadness. These are normal human responses to a difficult situation, and it’s okay to feel however you feel.
However, if you think your feelings are negatively affecting you, you may want to find additional ways to cope.
If you have stopped enjoying activities you once found pleasurable or are feeling sad every day, it’s best to contact a healthcare professional. Depression is a very real disease and can be treated with an antidepressant and/or talk therapy.
Even if you are feeling a little down, it never hurts to reach out to others to connect. Remember to keep doing the activities that give you pleasure and enjoyment.
Physical
Exercise
Exercise is a critical part of the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Your healthcare provider or your physical therapist can show you safe exercises that will increase your strength, flexibility, and mobility. Exercises to help improve your posture can also lessen the possible long-term complications of the disease.
In general, exercise will help lessen the disease’s impact on your life, and it may improve your mood as well.
Alcohol Use
Some evidence suggests that excessive alcohol use may worsen disease symptoms in AS. For optimum functionality (and for your overall health), don’t drink to excess.
Smoking Cessation
Research shows that smoking is linked to a worse disease state, meaning more AS-related pain and inflammation. It is critical for people with AS to quit smoking.
In addition, ankylosing spondylitis is linked to disease complications like heart and lung problems. Of course, smoking too can negatively affect the heart and lung (regardless of whether a person has AS). This is a double-risk, so stopping smoking is really in your best interest.
When you are ready, speak with your healthcare provider about the best strategy for you to stop smoking. The good news is that there are a number of ways to quit (such as medications or counseling), and often a combination of them works the best.
Diet and Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is also important if you have AS. Extra pounds can put additional strain on your joints. You can attain a normal weight through calorie control, daily exercise (which will also help maintain spine mobility), and a nutritious diet.
Try to make losing or maintaining your weight a family or partner affair, so the focus is on living healthily and feeling well overall.
Social
It can be very helpful to reach out to others when dealing with AS. It’s important not to let the stress of the disease make you feel isolated and alone. Non-profit groups like the Spondylitis Association of America can be a powerful way to connect with others who are successfully dealing with the condition.
Try to communicate directly and clearly with your friends and family members about your condition. Especially when you are having a disease flare, you may need more support. Let people know your limitations, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Practical
Finding the Right Health Team
If you have ankylosing spondylitis, it is important to work with a healthcare team that has experience with your form of arthritis. The first step is finding a rheumatologist—a medical professional who specializes in diseases of the joints and muscles. Even among rheumatologists, some tend to focus on specific diseases.
Be assured that it is okay to seek out second opinions or change therapists (or healthcare providers). The doctor-patient relationship and the therapist-patient relationship is a two-way street, meaning that both parties have to feel comfortable and at ease. A healing, trusting partnership is vital to your AS and overall health.
Preparing for Flares
Like many other chronic illnesses, people with AS experience flares or worsening of their symptoms, notably back pain or other joint pain that can limit functioning. Having a plan in place on what to do when you or your loved one’s pain flares can reduce any unnecessary panic.
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This plan may include an ordered list of medications you should take to alleviate the pain—including dosages, how long you should wait between dosing, the maximum dosage allowed for that medication, and side effects to watch out for.
The plan may also include reminders about when to use a hot versus cold pack on your area of pain, as well as exercises or stretches you should engage in or avoid during a flare. A list of warning signs that warrant a phone call to your healthcare provider is also good to include.
A Word From Verywell
There are steps you can take to ensure a healthy and happy life with AS. However, this is not meant to downplay the challenges that your disease may present. It will be difficult to adapt to these changes for some people more than others. Ultimately, though, it’s best for your mind, body, and spirit to draw on your inner strength, the support of those around you, and your healthcare provider’s help to provide you with the best circumstances surrounding your AS.
