Spondylitis Of Neck & Back - How To Manage It?

As we get older, the physical components of the body start wearing out, and the effects are felt in the joints, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and spine. Spondylitis is a form of arthritis that affects the human spine. A degenerative spinal disorder, it originates in degradations in the quality of human bones.

Spondylitis may affect all parts of the spine and causes pain in the neck (cervical spine) and the back of the body (thoracic or lumbar spine). Symptoms of this degenerative ailment include pain and stiffness in the neck and back regions. The condition often reduces the range of motion and movements possible in human beings. Thankfully, medical science has fashioned various effective means to cope with this problem.

1. Exercising: Regular physical workouts help to lubricate the discs of the spine and counter degeneration of the discs. Exercise also helps the body to remain strong and supple with the passage of time. If you are already affected by spondylitis, it is best to avoid high-impact exercises, such as running, since the shock of impact can worsen the condition. Talk to your physiotherapist about managing the condition effectively.
2. Yoga Postures: Some yoga postures like Bridge and the Cobra pose can stretch the muscles of the neck while making them stronger. The benefits of Yoga are not just limited to improving the neck and the back. They help to make the body stronger and more flexible. Yoga also confers proven benefits to mental health in human beings.
3. Accentuating the ergonomics: The ergonomics of the workplace can make a significant difference to the health of the employees. Right from the lighting to the height of the desk to the placement of the laptop or the computer all of these actions play a crucial role in improving the comfort of the spine. While sitting, the back of the back should be tilted at 10 to 15 degrees back rather than being straight as a rod. Tall individuals should adjust their chairs to offer support to their thighs. You should also take a break from the workstation every 30 minutes and stretch the body.
4. Early diagnosis: Even ten years back, the condition of spondylitis affected people aged more than 60 years. However, in recent times, people as young as 40 years suffer from neck and back pain. Most cases of spondylitis are triggered by repeated injury and stiffness owing to the lack of adequate movement. Health experts recommend early detection of the condition. Those suffering from the condition should take measures to alleviate the disease instead of ignoring it.

Another thing that deserves mention in this regard is avoiding painkillers every time the pain strikes. Chemical interventions are not the best course of recommended actions. Doctors suggest that it is best not to depend on any medications but to seek natural means of improving the condition and arresting any deterioration.