Managing Spondyloarthritis takes time and effort, and in many cases, trial and error. What works well for one patient is not necessarily effective for another, even if they have been diagnosed with the same condition. What works for someone now may not work for the same person in the future if their disease progresses. Despite these challenges, there are many options available to help people manage the effects of SpA!
The SpA community we are building through the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association can offer helpful tips and information to one another about what they have found helpful in managing their condition. Joining a CSA support group or being part of CSA’s online community are ways that one can make connections with others who have had similar experiences. .
In addition to medication, there are many other treatment options that are used, mostly in combination with medication prescribed by a doctor. These include interventions from professionals as well as things you can do yourself. As always, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare team before starting, stopping or changing any form of treatment.
Complementary Therapies
Physiotherapy
With exercise being an important component of managing spondyloarthritis, physiotherapy can provide great benefits to people living with SpA. There are specialized exercises for people living with different types of of SpA and physiotherapists who are experienced in working with SpA patients are an excellent resource. Speak with your healthcare team about physiotherapy services in your area. There are physiotherapists in many communities who have experience working with patients with axSpA and other SpA conditions. For more information, you can also view our “2022 SpA Forum” which featured a physiotherapist who specializes in the treatment of spondyloarthritis or download a handy exercise guide created by Laura Passalent, a Canadian physiotherapist who specializes in treating SpA patients.
Chiropractic Care
In general, most healthcare professionals advise against chiropractic care for people with SpA, particularly those with axial spondyloarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. CSA recommends that someone with suspected or diagnosed SpA should never seek chiropractic care without first consulting with their primary care physician and or rheumatology team.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice in Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles in various areas of the body. It is based on the theory of re-balancing one’s flow of energy. Some patients find that acupuncture provides relief from their symptoms. Patients are encouraged to investigate acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine with care and caution, and to always speak with their healthcare provider about these forms of treatments to be as informed as possible.
Counselling
More than 80% of patients in CSA’s Quality of Life Study (2020-21) reported that they had or are currently having challenges with mental health. The pain, flares, uncertainty, fatigue and other effects of spondyloarthritis take a toll on people’s mental health. Not being able to work, play or engage in activities that you once were or having to do things differently can be extremely taxing. Many patients find that seeking help provides great benefits. There are mental health services and counselling available through many community and national resources, and with the advent of virtual meetings, there are even more opportunities to speak with a mental health professional than ever before.
For more information, see our webinars and resources on mental health here and explore information from mental health organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Commission
Exercise
- Exercise plays a crucial role in managing spondyloarthritis. There is no one set of rules when it comes to exercising, but it is recommended that patients focus on stretching, cardiovascular and strengthening exercises. Walking is a great form of exercise that many find not only tolerable, but enjoyable. Some patients find that belonging to a gym provides great benefits including equipment, fitness programs, access to personal trainers, and the motivation of working out with others. Try what feels good for you, but no matter what, try and be and keep as active as possible.
- See Physiotherapist Laura Passalent’s recommendations on exercise for people with axial Spondyloarthritis.
- Yoga and Stretching are great for improving range of motion, reducing pain and mental health. CSA is proud to partner with “Yoga for AS” from the United Kingdom, an organization run by two patients with axSpA who are certified yoga instructors. For more information and resources, check out the CSA Yoga for AS program .
Diet and Nutrition
Nutrition is important for us all. For those living with an inflammatory disease like SpA, proper diet and nutrition are essential components of disease management. There are certain foods that are good in providing nutrition and controlling inflammation and there are other foods that have the opposite effects and can make your disease worse.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for many reasons, but even more so for people with a form of arthritis where the joints, spine and other parts of the body are affected. How “healthy weight” is defined can vary from person to person. We suggest reviewing CSA’s resources on nutrition and other related resources, including this perspective from Samantha Holmgren, a Registered Dietician who is part of CSA’s Medical Advisory Committee.
Things you can do for yourself:
- Personal massages
Having a loved one provide massage can be relaxing, pain relieving and intimate. Be sure to tell your partner what feels good and what does not and if anything feels uncomfortable, stop and seek professional massage services upon recommendation of your healthcare provider.
- Warm baths and pools
Water can be a key component of disease self management. Sometimes taking a warm bath at the end of a long day can help ease pain and stress. Swimming and water exercises can provide great forms of exercise and are more tolerable than other forms of exercise for many people with arthritis. Be sure to seek advice from a healthcare professional when adding any substances to a bath, or before starting any swim or water exercise program.
- Balanced diet
Eat well. Follow nutrition guidelines and check out resources specific to anti-inflammatory nutrition such as https://rheumhub.ca/2022/07/11/anti-inflammatory-diet-for-arthritis/ and https://badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/anti-inflammatory-nutrition/
- Don’t smoke
It’s pretty obvious that smoking is never a good idea for anyone. Smoking has been linked to countless diseases and health issues. Smoking can make the progression and symptoms of many forms of SpA worse. If you don’t smoke, don’t ever start, and if you smoke now, think about quitting. It will only benefit you and your family. For more information about smoking and smoking cessation, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/campaigns/quit-smoking.html?utm_campaign=hc-sc-tobacco-cessation-22-23
- Limit or avoid alcohol
Studies have shown that alcohol consumption is linked to more significant disease progression in those with spondyloarthritis. Drinking alcohol can accelerate inflammation, worsening the effects of disease on the body. Alcohol can also cause or exacerbate liver disease; some medications involved in the treatment of spondyloarthritis can also affect the liver. Consumption of alcohol can also contribute to obesity and make weight control more difficult. For these reasons it is best to limit or avoid alcohol. For more information about alcohol and help to stop drinking, visit: https://arthritis.ca/living-well/2018/understanding-arthritis-and-alcohol and https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/alcohol
TIPS FROM PATIENTS
While experiencing excruciating symptoms of SpA, things can add up pretty quickly. It’s easy to overlook the importance of regular rheumatologist visits or daily exercise. Make a commitment to contribute what you can to your health.
–Amir
For me, trying to figure out ways to deal with the pain associated with AS was somewhat trial and error, as I’ve found some things to be more helpful than others. For me, using heating pads on my back helps a lot! Also, finding ways to remain active and keep moving has been so important – I personally love to cycle, swim and go for hikes. In addition, finding a great healthcare team (ie. physiotherapist, chiropractor, massage therapist) to come up with a treatment plan for your condition was very beneficial for me, and helps to relieve a lot of the pain! Drinking lots of water and eating healthy also helps a lot with reducing pain and decreasing inflammation!
– Rachel
Share your Tips!
- Would you like to share your experience with other patients?
- What has worked for you in helping manage your Spondyloarthritis?
- Do you have tips that others can benefit from?