Ankylosing Spondylitis Daily Care Plan --- 8 Small Suggestions

Ankylosing Spondylitis Daily Care Plan --- 8 Small Suggestions
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic disease of joints. The main localization of cumulation is spine (facet joints). Manifestations: "blurring of bilateral sacroiliac articular surface, uneven bone density on articular surface, narrowing / disappearance of joint space." , and then arthritis gradually spreads "up", from sacroiliac joint --- lumbar --- cervical, gradually involving the entire spine, and, finally, bone ankylosis; of course, other joints may be involved, such as hip joints, knee joints, etc.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Daily Care Plan --- 8 Small Suggestions

Initial clinical manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis. Most of these are low back pain and discomfort, soreness, stiffness, difficulty moving, and limited range of motion/range of motion. These symptoms may occur after exertion or at night Symptoms are more pronounced As disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe If spinal ankylosis, joint ankylosis, inability to bend over, twist waist, twist neck, move joints, etc., occurs in late stage, this will seriously affect daily life.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Daily Care Plan --- 8 Small Suggestions
So, what tips or advice in everyday life can we give ankylosing spondylitis patients to improve their symptoms?

1. Adjust height of chair

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can cause stiffness and back pain. Worse if you sit for a long time. Lower seat of your work chair so that your hips form a right angle when you sit. Better keep your feet firmly on floor. When you sit, make sure that back of your chair supports your spine and does not bend.

2. Walk more often

If you have a "sedentary" desk job, remember to walk for 5-10 minutes every hour you sit, move your spine, twist your waist, hit your back, relieve your muscles and move your joints. discomfort symptoms. If you are afraid to forget, you can set an alarm.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Daily Care Plan --- 8 Small Suggestions

3. Correct posture is very important

Try to keep your spine upright (chest and back straight) when sitting, standing, or walking. This can help you reduce back pain. Check your posture with a full mirror at home. At work, you can ask your colleagues to help you monitor your "posture" and constantly remind you to maintain correct "posture".

4. Adjust screen height

If you have to look at a computer screen, it can make your neck or back pain worse. Move monitor so that top is at eye level. The keyboard and mouse should be at or slightly below your forearm. If your desk is too low, raise your laptop by placing it on top of a stack of large books.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Daily Care Plan --- 8 Small Suggestions

5. Cope with stress

For people with ankylosing spondylitis, stress is a major cause of disability. If your day-to-day work is stressful, you can think of many ways to relieve stress, get rid of stress, or switch to a less stressful job. Prolonged "overpressure" will also worsen condition.

6. Stock up on healthy snacks

Your eating habits can affect your symptoms. For example, starchy foods like potato chips or crackers can make symptoms worse. Keep healthy, low-starch snacks like nuts and, of course, extra fruit in your drawer if you can.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Daily Care Plan --- 8 Small Suggestions

7. Train your muscles

Spend a few minutes of exercise every day, and even a few minutes of movement can help relieve stiff joints and muscles. Of course, you can do a quick stretch at table: Rotate your upper body at waist while keeping your hips still. Place your hands on your chin, turning your head to sides. Try yoga or tai chi at lunchtime.

8. Try not to "overload spine"

Some jobs can easily hurt your spine, like lifting weights, but if you have to lift a heavy box, correct way to do it is not to bend over to pick it up, but to squat down and pick it up. . Try not to twist your back or roll over while lifting. When you hold case, keep it close to your body. While walking, look straight ahead to avoid tripping.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Daily Care Plan --- 8 Small Suggestions
Eventually:

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis should always pay attention to their health and symptoms of disease in daily life, try to ensure that height of chair and computer screen is appropriate, and maintain proper posture (including sitting, standing, walking, and Proper exercise relieves muscle stiffness, moves joints, avoids spinal involvement, remembers to control your own "stress" and always pay attention to your diet. Work hard for a better and better life!