“Son, sit with your back straight!” is something our mothers have always told us since we were little. That advice is really valuable. Because, keeping your back straight can prevent back and neck pain. It also helps maintain balance in the body.
However, some people have to think about this posture more than the average person. Especially for someone with ankylosing spondylitis , or AS for short, a specific inflammatory joint condition, correct posture is something that must be made a part of life. Because of the pain caused by this disease, we can unconsciously get used to bad postures. In severe cases, this disease can cause the small vertebrae in the spine to fuse together, causing the spine to permanently bend forward, or hunchback. Therefore, we must be aware of this.
Why is correct posture so important in AS?
Simply put, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a disease of the joints that causes inflammation. It mainly affects the spine. Due to the pain and stiffness that it causes, the patient always tries to stay in a position that is less painful. Most often, this is by bending forward. When you stay like this for a long time, it becomes a habit.
The most dangerous thing is that if AS is not controlled, the vertebrae in the spine can fuse together, locking the spine into one position. If that happens, it will be impossible to straighten the spine again.
But don't worry. The best solution to prevent this condition from getting worse is to exercise regularly . Also, while going about your daily activities, be aware of your posture. We should always be mindful of how we are holding our bodies. Keep your chin parallel to the ground, relax your shoulders, and try not to hunch forward.
How to correct posture in everyday life?
There are several things we need to be careful about when we sit, stand, walk, and even sleep. It may be a little difficult, but once you get used to it, you will notice the difference.
| Posture | Things to do (Do This) | Things not to do (Avoid This) |
|---|---|---|
| When sitting |
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| When standing |
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| When walking |
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| When sleeping |
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Is it good to wear a posture brace?
Some people think that wearing a posture brace can help improve their posture. It's true that it keeps you upright while you're wearing it. But it's only a temporary solution. It won't strengthen your back muscles.
Remember, regular exercise is a thousand times more beneficial than a posture brace .
Seeking professional help – The role of the physiotherapist
You may feel like you can't do all of this on your own. That's normal. This is where the help of a physical therapist comes in handy.
Talk to your doctor and get a referral to a physical therapist. He or she can:
- Create an exercise program that best suits your body and condition.
- Teach exercises to strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility .
- Provide correct posture training .
- Teach methods and techniques to reduce pain in daily life and make tasks easier.
So, don't worry about this, talk to your doctor today and get the necessary guidance.
Take-Home Message
- If you have ankylosing spondylitis (AS), maintaining good posture is a must. This can help prevent long-term back pain.
- Be mindful of your posture throughout the day. Be mindful of how you sit, stand, walk, and sleep.
- Rather than going after temporary solutions (like a posture brace), you can achieve permanent results through regular exercise and posture training.
- Don't try to go through this journey alone. Be sure to seek the help of your doctor and a physical therapist. They will provide you with solutions that are right for you.
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