What should patients with ankylosing spondylitis pay attention to?
Generally, patients with ankylosing spondylitis should adhere to standardized treatment, maintain moderate exercise, focus on dietary regulation, ensure warmth and protection from dampness, and maintain correct posture. These measures help control disease progression and alleviate symptoms. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Adhere to standardized treatment: Patients must strictly follow medical advice regarding medication and should not stop taking medication or adjust dosages without authorization. Commonly used medications include anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Proper medication can effectively relieve pain and control inflammation.
2. Maintain moderate exercise: Choosing suitable forms of exercise is important, such as swimming, yoga, and walking, which are low-impact activities. These exercises can strengthen the muscles around the spine and joints, improve joint flexibility, and alleviate stiffness. Vigorous exercise or excessive fatigue should be avoided to prevent increased joint strain.
3. Focus on dietary regulation: The daily diet should avoid spicy, stimulating, raw, cold, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, as these may exacerbate inflammation or increase joint strain. It is advisable to consume foods rich in protein and vitamins to provide essential nutrients and support bodily functions.
4. Ensure warmth and protection from dampness: Patients should avoid long-term exposure to cold and damp environments. Clothing should be adjusted promptly with seasonal changes, especially to keep the waist, back, and joints warm. Cold and damp conditions may trigger or worsen joint pain and stiffness, while maintaining a dry and warm environment helps stabilize the condition.
5. Maintain correct posture: Good posture while standing and sitting is essential in daily life. Slouching, prolonged低头 (bending the head down) while using a phone, and extended sitting should be avoided. A lumbar cushion can be used for spinal support while sitting. A hard bed rather than a soft mattress is recommended for sleeping, to maintain the natural curvature of the spine and reduce the risk of spinal deformity.
Patients should incorporate these precautions into their long-term disease management. Combining comprehensive lifestyle adjustments with standardized treatment can better control the disease, preserving mobility and quality of life.