* . *
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Earth-News
  • Home
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    Go-to entertainment: why gaming was made for the toilet – The Guardian

    Why Gaming Is the Ultimate Way to Pass Time in the Bathroom

    Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the Lollapalooza stage – Yahoo Home

    Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the Lollapalooza stage – Yahoo Home

    Sens. Blackburn, Warnock introduce CREATE Act to provide tax relief to music creators – Yahoo Home

    Sens. Blackburn and Warnock Launch CREATE Act to Deliver Tax Relief for Music Creators

    That’s (Political) Entertainment: When Theatre Meets Politics

    Future Script: How Generative AI Is Changing Collective Bargaining in the Entertainment Industry – Jackson Lewis

    Future Script: How Generative AI Is Transforming Collective Bargaining in Entertainment

    The SBA’s live-entertainment bailout was supposed to end two years ago. We still don’t know how $1.5 billion was spent. – Yahoo Home

    $1.5 Billion Live-Entertainment Bailout: Two Years Later, Where Did the Money Go?

  • General
  • Health
  • News

    Cracking the Code: Why China’s Economic Challenges Aren’t Shaking Markets, Unlike America’s” – Bloomberg

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
    Microsoft Seeks to Extend Access to OpenAI Technology – PYMNTS.com

    Microsoft Aims to Broaden Access to OpenAI Technology

    Livonia police use grappler technology to stop drunk driver – ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4

    Livonia Police Deploy Grappler Technology to Safely Stop Drunk Driver

    Emory orthopaedic surgeons use robotic technology to transform knee replacement surgery – Emory News Center

    How Robotic Technology is Revolutionizing Knee Replacement Surgery

    Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp (CTSH) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue … – Yahoo.co

    Cognizant Q2 2025 Earnings: Impressive Revenue Growth and Key Takeaways

    Revving Up The U.S. Technology Engine – Forbes

    Revving Up The U.S. Technology Engine – Forbes

    More than just a hockey player – Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics

    Beyond the Ice: The Inspiring Journey of a Remarkable Athlete from Rochester Institute of Technology

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    Go-to entertainment: why gaming was made for the toilet – The Guardian

    Why Gaming Is the Ultimate Way to Pass Time in the Bathroom

    Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the Lollapalooza stage – Yahoo Home

    Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra takes the Lollapalooza stage – Yahoo Home

    Sens. Blackburn, Warnock introduce CREATE Act to provide tax relief to music creators – Yahoo Home

    Sens. Blackburn and Warnock Launch CREATE Act to Deliver Tax Relief for Music Creators

    That’s (Political) Entertainment: When Theatre Meets Politics

    Future Script: How Generative AI Is Changing Collective Bargaining in the Entertainment Industry – Jackson Lewis

    Future Script: How Generative AI Is Transforming Collective Bargaining in Entertainment

    The SBA’s live-entertainment bailout was supposed to end two years ago. We still don’t know how $1.5 billion was spent. – Yahoo Home

    $1.5 Billion Live-Entertainment Bailout: Two Years Later, Where Did the Money Go?

  • General
  • Health
  • News

    Cracking the Code: Why China’s Economic Challenges Aren’t Shaking Markets, Unlike America’s” – Bloomberg

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
    Microsoft Seeks to Extend Access to OpenAI Technology – PYMNTS.com

    Microsoft Aims to Broaden Access to OpenAI Technology

    Livonia police use grappler technology to stop drunk driver – ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4

    Livonia Police Deploy Grappler Technology to Safely Stop Drunk Driver

    Emory orthopaedic surgeons use robotic technology to transform knee replacement surgery – Emory News Center

    How Robotic Technology is Revolutionizing Knee Replacement Surgery

    Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp (CTSH) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue … – Yahoo.co

    Cognizant Q2 2025 Earnings: Impressive Revenue Growth and Key Takeaways

    Revving Up The U.S. Technology Engine – Forbes

    Revving Up The U.S. Technology Engine – Forbes

    More than just a hockey player – Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics

    Beyond the Ice: The Inspiring Journey of a Remarkable Athlete from Rochester Institute of Technology

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
No Result
View All Result
Earth-News
No Result
View All Result
Home Health

Your Self-Care Guide for Axial Spondyloarthritis

February 29, 2024
in Health
Your Self-Care Guide for Axial Spondyloarthritis
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Managing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spine and is sometimes also known as ankylosing spondylitis or AS, is always challenging. But the challenge gets a whole lot bigger when you’re flaring.

“If a patient has had trauma, like an injury or a recent infection, it can make them more achy,” says Lawrence Brent, MD, associate director of the Rheumatology Fellowship Program at Temple University Hospital, in Philadelphia. “They may flare up in the upper or lower back, or get flares in the peripheral joints, like the Achilles tendon or the knees.” Emotional stressors like feeling overloaded at work, relationship issues, or navigating a major life change can factor in too.

Events like these can trigger an increase in inflammatory chemicals (even if you’re on medications for your axSpA, such as a biologic), Dr. Brent explains. And the result can be more pain, more stiffness, and more fatigue.

You should always let your doctor know when you’re flaring. But at-home strategies like the ones below can help you cope with—and reduce—your discomfort as well.

Add Some Heat

Prolonged periods of not moving—like first thing in the morning, or after sitting at your desk all day—can lead to serious stiffness in your back or hips. But heat can help. “Getting into a hot shower or bath will make you loosen up a little bit,” says Dr. Brent. Twenty minutes of soaking time should do the trick.

The heat encourages your blood vessels to expand and relax, boosting the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your achy tissues. And that increased circulation can help loosen up tight joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

When a shower or bath isn’t an option, like in the middle of the work day, try an electric heating pad. Just plug the pad in and drape it over any stiff spots for fast relief.

Book A Massage

man receives back massage in spa

Portra//Getty Images

Gentle rubdowns are relaxing, and they can also reduce your discomfort. Like heat, massages can direct more blood flow to your tissues to help relieve pain and stiffness. Plus, they can actually boost levels of pain-relieving chemicals in your bloodstream, according to a report in Topics in Pain Management.

Just make sure to get the green light from your doctor first to confirm that massages are a good idea for you; they might have recs for massage therapists who work with axSpA patients, too. You can also find licensed massage therapists in your area via the American Massage Therapy Association’s national database.

Try Turmeric

Here’s one more reason to love that golden milk latte. Turmeric is packed with inflammation-fighting curcumin, which may help improve your symptoms, Dr. Brent says. “It’s not going to be as potent as prescription medications, but it can certainly add to their benefits, and it’s safe.”

In fact, a recent meta-analysis of 29 studies concluded that curcumin is effective at relieving pain in patients with multiple types of arthritis, including axSpA. The analysis looked at doses ranging from 120 to 1,500 milligrams daily, taken for as little time as four weeks or as much as 36. Check with your doctor to decide on the best dosage for you.

Stretch It Out

a man stretching his hamstrings in the gym

10’000 Hours//Getty Images

You probably already know that regular exercise is a biggie for maintaining your mobility and flexibility and keeping pain in check. But if you don’t have it in you to head out for a walk or take a swim (which makes total sense), you might still be able to stretch.

Gentle stretches are a go-to option for easing pain and stiffness when you don’t have the capacity for more intense movement. While it’s great to stretch your whole body, “you really want to do exercises where you’re stretching your back up more straight, to keep your head and neck moving,” Dr. Brent says. Try bridges, wall sits, or gently tucking your chin to your chest.

Another option: Try a yoga video made with axSpA in mind. Tele-yoga sessions have been shown to improve pain and function and boost mental health in people who have axSpA, found one randomized controlled trial.

Go Big With Breathing

man relaxing

Johannes Kroemer//Getty Images

Inflammation around the joints where your ribs attach to your spine can literally make breathing hurt when your axSpA is acting up. “Deep belly breathing is a way of maintaining the motion of these joints” to help reduce pain and stiffness, Dr. Brent says.

The basic gist is to take slow, deep inhales that fill your belly with air, followed by slow, deep exhales that let the air flow out. But a guided video, like this one from the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society, can help you really get a feel for the technique. “I’d try to practice deep breathing two to three times a day for a minute each,” recommends Dr. Brent.

Use An Assistive Device

You might have no problem grabbing the cereal box on the high shelf or getting down to tie your shoes on a typical day when your axSpA isn’t acting up. But when you’re flaring, an adaptive device can make it easier to tackle everyday tasks with less pain, Dr. Brent says. And there’s zero shame in that.

“Things like grabbers or sock donners can be helpful for patients with significant spinal disease who have trouble reaching or bending over,” he says. “Slip-on shoes are good too, since you can slide your foot in without having to bend down.”

Meeting with an occupational therapist (OT) or a physical therapist (PT) can help as well, if you’re struggling with a particular task on the reg. In addition to showing you stretching and strengthening exercises that can improve your function and flexibility, they can offer suggestions on specific devices that can help you with whatever everyday hurdles you might be dealing with.

Get Serious About Sleep

shot of a young man sleeping peacefully in bed at home

PeopleImages//Getty Images

Flare-driven inflammation can eat up your energy, Dr. Brent says. And the emotional stress surrounding your flare can leave you feeling zapped too. All the more reason to double down on your nighttime routine and get to bed early enough to ensure you log seven to eight hours of shut-eye.

Snooze time alone won’t make your flare disappear overnight, of course. But poor sleep is linked to worse disease activity and more pain among axSpA patients, research shows. And getting the rest you need can help turn down the dial on your inflammation while boosting your brain function and your mood. So there’s a good chance some solid sack time will help you feel at least a little bit better.

If pain or stiffness from your flare is making you toss and turn, let your doctor know. Together you can talk about options to help you sleep more comfortably when you’re flaring, such as taking an NSAID pain reliever before bed, Dr. Brent says.

Pace Yourself

It can be tempting to try to get through your daily to-do list even when you’re dealing with a flare. But pushing too hard can leave you feeling worse. So give yourself permission to take it easy for now. “Let your body tell you what you can and cannot do,” Dr. Brent advises. “Conserve your energy by doing the things you have to do, but waiting on the things that are extra until you’re feeling better.”

Headshot of Marygrace Taylor

Marygrace Taylor

Marygrace Taylor is a health and wellness writer for Prevention, Parade, Women’s Health, Redbook, and others. She’s also the co-author of Prevention’s Eat Clean, Stay Lean: The Diet and Prevention’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Visit her at marygracetaylor.com.

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Men’s Health – https://www.menshealth.com/health/a46978194/your-self-care-guide-for-axial-spondyloarthritis/

Tags: guidehealthSelf-Care
Previous Post

Levi’s Amazon Sale February 2024: Take up to 40% off Classic Jeans

Next Post

PWHL to use draft format that other sports leagues should consider stealing

Study reveals China’s ecological red lines offer blueprint for biodiversity protection – Phys.org

Study reveals China’s ecological red lines offer blueprint for biodiversity protection – Phys.org

August 3, 2025
What do TSA bag scanners actually see? – Popular Science

What do TSA bag scanners actually see? – Popular Science

August 3, 2025
Why does your mind goes ‘blank’? New brain scans reveal the surprising answer – Live Science

Why does your mind goes ‘blank’? New brain scans reveal the surprising answer – Live Science

August 3, 2025
U.S. POINTER Study shows lifestyle program improves cognition in older adults – University of California – Davis Health

Lifestyle Program Boosts Cognitive Health in Older Adults, New Study Finds

August 3, 2025
World Championships, Day Eight Finals: Kliment Kolesnikov Blazes to Title in 50 Backstroke; Tie for Silver – Swimming World

Kliment Kolesnikov Blazes to Victory in 50 Backstroke as Day Eight of World Championships Ends with a Silver Medal Tie

August 3, 2025
Bond investors warm to risk, with Fed staying put in ‘Goldilocks’ economy – Reuters

Bond Investors Take Bold Steps as Fed Maintains Steady Course in a ‘Goldilocks’ Economy

August 3, 2025
Go-to entertainment: why gaming was made for the toilet – The Guardian

Why Gaming Is the Ultimate Way to Pass Time in the Bathroom

August 3, 2025
Covenant Health offers immunizations, activities for kids at Back to School Bash – KCBD

Covenant Health’s Back to School Bash: A Fun-Filled Immunization and Activities Event for Kids

August 3, 2025
Trump tells Schumer to ‘go to hell’ as Senate heads home after failed attempt to strike deal on nominees – CNN

Trump tells Schumer to ‘go to hell’ as Senate heads home after failed attempt to strike deal on nominees – CNN

August 3, 2025
Microsoft Seeks to Extend Access to OpenAI Technology – PYMNTS.com

Microsoft Aims to Broaden Access to OpenAI Technology

August 3, 2025

Categories

Archives

August 2025
MTWTFSS
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Jul    
Earth-News.info

The Earth News is an independent English-language daily published Website from all around the World News

Browse by Category

  • Business (20,132)
  • Ecology (752)
  • Economy (777)
  • Entertainment (21,654)
  • General (16,263)
  • Health (9,814)
  • Lifestyle (785)
  • News (22,149)
  • People (777)
  • Politics (786)
  • Science (15,990)
  • Sports (21,272)
  • Technology (15,754)
  • World (758)

Recent News

Study reveals China’s ecological red lines offer blueprint for biodiversity protection – Phys.org

Study reveals China’s ecological red lines offer blueprint for biodiversity protection – Phys.org

August 3, 2025
What do TSA bag scanners actually see? – Popular Science

What do TSA bag scanners actually see? – Popular Science

August 3, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 earth-news.info

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 earth-news.info

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 earth-news.info

Go to mobile version