- 1). Talk to your doctor about prescription medications. There are a few types of prescription drugs you might take: DMARDs, or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, help prevent joint damage; corticosteroids like prednisone help limit inflammation; and tumor necrotic factor (TNF) blockers can help improve joint stiffness.
- 2). Use over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These should be used in moderation, as studies show that extended NSAID use can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers and other stomach problems. But they are helpful for temporary pain relief if your spondylitis is particularly painful.
- 3). Consult with a physical therapist. Spondylitis patients have reported a great deal of improvement just through basic physical therapy exercises. These workouts can help improve posture, extend breathing capacity and reduce pain.
- 4). Quit smoking, if you're a smoker. Ankylosing spondylitis can affect rib cage mobility, and damage to your already-limited lungs can be even more of a health risk for spondylitis patients.
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