My Top 5 Comfort Must-Haves For AS
When I started experiencing symptoms of AS, comfort suddenly became the forefront of my life. If you suffer from AS, then you probably know the struggle of always trying to make yourself comfortable in almost every situation. In the car, in bed, out shopping, sitting in a restaurant...no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I feel like I’m constantly battling the aches and discomfort that come with AS. As my symptoms worsened, I became borderline obsessed with trying to find ways to keep myself comfortable while dealing with the pain. Through this obsession, I discovered a few things that really seem to help me on my very worst days.
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View all responsesHere are my top 5 items for ankylosing spondylitis that I couldn’t do without!
Heated throw
This is my absolute favorite purchase of all time. I not only suffer from AS, but I also have fibromyalgia which causes widespread pain from head to toe. While a heating pad is great for localized pain, I love that you can wrap a throw around several different areas of the body at once and treat multiple areas with it. I love a good multi-tasking product!
Salonpas patches and tiger balm
I had never given much thought to topical treatments before I was diagnosed with AS. During one of my worst flares, a sweet friend of mine, who I actually met on IG through the ankylosing spondylitis hashtag, reached out and asked if I had ever tried either one. I honestly had not even heard of them, and out of the sheer kindness of her heart, she mailed me salonpas from across the country. Ever since, I always make sure I have some on hand. They are great for numbing down achy joints!
Bath pillow
Baths are something that have become a part of my daily routine since my diagnosis. For me, a good bath pillow is essential when dealing with the pain of AS. It provides extra support and cushion and keeps me from sliding down into the water. Tip-Throw some Epsom salt in or your favorite bubble bath for some extra relaxation!
Heating pad
I feel like this one is probably the most well-known remedy for lower back pain relief, and for good reason. Heat is great for relieving pain and stiffness in the muscles and tissue and also promotes a feeling of relaxation. Need I say more?
Pillows
I know for many of us with AS, bed-time can be a nightmare. I struggled terribly trying to find ways to make myself comfortable at night, and in the end, it came down to having some really great pillows, and LOTS of them. I usually keep my neck and head somewhat propped up with two pillows, while I have one I keep my arm around, and one underneath my knees. Sometimes if I wedge one between my knees and lay on my side, it can alleviate any tension being placed on my hips/and or lumbar. It took some trial and error, but once I found the right pillows, I didn’t dread bed-time so much.
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