Dr. Syamasis Bandyopadhyay, Senior Consultant Physician, and Rheumatologist, Apollo Hospitals, says, “Usually, flare-ups are caused by stress, infection, and overexercising among Ankylosing Spondylitis patients. It can worsen pain and stiffness and can also limit movement among patients, in some cases. While it is variable, it can last for a month to three months or even a year and beyond. Therefore, it is important to avoid stress and overactivity and pursue a sustained exercise plan along with accurate treatments to manage the condition of Ankylosing Spondylitis.Today, biologicals are becoming a mainstay of flare management. These flare-ups tend to happen frequently with the time, where sometimes it can also last 3 months. Adherence to treatment as recommended by your Rheumatologist is vital to managing the condition well.”
Dr. Abhrajit Ray, Consultant Physician & Rheumatologist, Radiant Medical Centre, Kolkata, says, “Over time, Ankylosing Spondylitis attacks become significantly more intense and debilitating. Study shows that patients have one flare-up a month with each episode lasting for about 2 weeks. The condition is characterized by chronic back pains that spread from the lower back to the hips. These flare-ups last for 3 months, or even longer and the symptoms start occurring in young adulthood.
The condition causes stiffness in the body, which is more persistent in the morning, which lasts for 2 hours or more and sometimes throughout the day. An active lifestyle and abstinence from smoking can help in preventing AS flare-ups. Although there is no known specific cause that triggers the flare-ups, smoking can make the symptoms worse and reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Physiotherapy, NSAIDs, biologics and surgery are the treatments available for mild, moderate, and severe cases of AS respectively.”
Tips to manage AS flare ups
One should consult a specialist, in this case a Rheumatologist to determine the best treatment for them. Below are 5 simple tips to manage AS flare ups better.
Effective management requires adequate rest and a good night’s sleep
If you see the warning signs of a flare up, slow down and relax. Know your limits and don’t push yourself too hard at work or at home. Resting is an important part of managing AS flare ups. Similarly, it’s fundamental to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Stick to a sleep schedule that meets your requirements- don’t oversleep or sleep too less.
Consult a Rheumatologist to get the right treatment
The importance of listening to your body cannot be overstated. Closely monitoring your symptoms can prevent you from wasting time at an orthopaedic clinic, thus letting you consult a Rheumatologist right away. Early diagnosis can effectively control disease progression. After analysing disease severity, a Rheumatologist may recommend pharmaceutical drugs or biologics for treating you. The right medicines, combined with physical activity and lifestyle changes, will help you significantly.
Be mindful and maintain a journal to understand triggers
AS massively affects the quality of life which can have deteriorating effects on a patient’s psychological well-being. One should also practice relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing to reduce stress. Maintaining a journal can help get rid of anxious thoughts as well as effectively monitor episodes/flare ups.
Use the heart-cold therapy for pain relief
Heat-cold therapy can provide short-term relief from back and joint pain. Use therapeutic heat pads or take hot showers, and then apply a cold pack to the pain site. This can help reduce stiffness and aid in mobility.
Low-impact or moderate exercise can be extremely beneficial
Expert-guided extension programs, moderate exercise and pilates can improve body function and mobility. Low-impact extension exercises such as swimming, running and yoga, or focused stretching can strengthen muscles and improve core strength.
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