Accidents Happen: A Guide to Children's Emergencies

If you have constant back pain, you could possibly have ankylosing spondylitis. This disorder is an inflammatory disease that causes the vertebra of the spine to fuse together. Once this happens, your spine becomes less flexible. You may want to walk hunched over because you may feel less pain in that position. In some cases, ribs can be affected, and this can make it difficult to take a deep breath. Below is some information about ankylosing spondylitis and how you can get some help to relieve your pain.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

There are many symptoms of this disease, but in the beginning you will likely feel stiffness and pain in your hips and lower back. This may feel like regular back pain at first. Over time, however, the pain will become much worse and will likely lead you to see your doctor. Over time, this disease will spread to the joints in your shoulders, the ligaments in your spine, your lower back vertebrae, and the cartilage between your ribs and breastbone.  You will likely feel extreme pain in these areas. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, but you can help with the symptoms. 

Natural Ways to Relieve Your Pain

Your doctor will prescribe you medication to help you with your pain. Along with this, there are some natural ways you can help relieve your pain. Exercise and stretching can be a big help. Instead of starting an exercise and stretching routine on your own, you should see a physical therapist. They can design a plan that will work best for you. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist in your area.

You should also watch your posture. Because you will tend to walk in a bent position, your spine will stiffen. Instead of walking this way, make an effort to stand up tall and straight when you are walking and to sit up straight when you are sitting down.

Posture while you are sleeping is also important. You should have a firm mattress and a pillow that will support your neck. The best position to sleep in to keep your back straight while you are sleeping is on your stomach. Of course your position is not something you can control while you are asleep, but you can start out in this position.

Talk to your doctor, perhaps a doctor at Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, before you do any type of natural relief for your pain. The last thing you want is to cause your pain to become much worse or to cause damage to your spine.