I have ankylosing spondylitis. What exercises can I perform to improve my condition, and what medications are recommended to manage the pain and stiffness?
To manage ankylosing spondylitis, a combination of regular exercise and medication works best. For physical activity, focus on gentle spinal stretching, posture training, and low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming or walking to maintain flexibility and strength. For pain and stiffness, first-line treatments are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen or ibuprofen. If inflammation persists, your doctor may suggest biologic therapies (such as TNF inhibitors) or disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) like sulfasalazine to target the underlying cause and prevent joint damage. Please consult your rheumatologist to design a safe, personalized plan.
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I have ankylosing spondylitis. What exercises can I perform to improve my condition, and what medications are recommended to manage the pain and stiffness?