Ankylosing Spondylitis and Exercise

One of the more popular things to do when someone has a problem is to claim you have found the miracle answer. For AS that is often the new "ankylosing spondylitis breakthrough" and accompanying testimonials, or maybe it's glucosamine, or some other natural remedy.

I think that if something works for you, do it. Maybe it's lots of medication. Maybe it's none. Maybe it's radon baths, chiropractic care, acupuncture, or antibiotics. To me if it brings relief then it's worth it.

But here's the problem.

Regardless of what may or may not be effective for one person, I feel that consistent physical activity and stretching exercises help everyone. No exceptions.

Some people will ask "well what about if I can't run without it hurting for the next 4-5 days"?

Then don't run. Hit up pool exercises, swimming if feasible. Test out yoga and opt for alternate poses when difficulty arises. Perform Swiss ball exercises to the reasonable degree of difficulty. Get into resistant band workouts. Experiment with bodyweight exercises and biking. Maybe even elliptical work.

Now why isn't exercise touted as much by doctors? I feel the main reason is that they don't have as much knowledge about its benefits as they do medications and other western treatments. It's natural to strongly advocate what you understand if you feel it is of worth. It's just a shame most physicians don't have a better understanding of the potential of exercise.