My Top 5 Comfort Must-Haves For AS

By Katie Saville

2 min read

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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Here 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.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AxialSpondyloarthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Nicolobolo Member
Pillows definitely! I travel with mine always. A few years ago, I bought a pregnancy pillow, large C shaped, on a whim. It was the best idea ever. I'm on my second one. If I lay on my back, I can tuck it under my hips and knees, on my side it goes between my knees. I agree with everyone else that seat heaters are a must. I also bought a heated blanket that plugs into the aux in the car. Any lidocaine patches, Icy hot, and biofreeze all get used. Currently I'm trying a natural Frankincense cream that seems to be helpful. I believe we all are constantly on the lookout for items that may help to give us relief. 
1. Rebecca C Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Nicolobolo" user-id="4162814"/> You've mentioned some great items to use while coping with pain and discomfort from spondyloarthritis. Finding relief from the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often involves exploring various tools and items that can make daily life more manageable. And, it's essential to experiment with different tools and techniques to find what provides the most relief for your unique situation. I love the idea of a pregnancy pillow. I've wanted to purchase one but I thought it was a little over the top. I am so glad you mentioned it. I am considering it now. TY for the inspiration. Your items are spot on for many in the community. Heated blankets, pillows, patches, oils and rubs - all necessities for the chronically ill. Thanks for joining in on the conversation. Warmly - Rebecca (team member)
Motherprednisone Member
I have so many aids I use, many daily. I have a car seat heater bc my car doesn’t have them. I also have a gel seat that I keep in the car. I have a TENS unit which can be very helpful. I have at least 4 heating pads (backups.) Multiple ice packs I keep in freezer. Several topical ointments. My canes for really bad days. I have never heard of blurred vision coming from AS but I definitely have it at times and would be interested on more information on this. Good luck to you. Keep your light shining. 
1. Nicky-Flikas-aks Moderator & Contributor
 Thank you for sharing all this that helps you. I will have to make a list and add some of the things your mentioned. Hope today is a good day for you, Nicky (Team Member)
ginny8945 Member
I am new to this diagnosis although I have been complaining about increase pain Especially the past month. They finally diagnosed me last month. I had a cat scan for my back pain thinking it was my kidney. I have been really suffering I need some good information Although I am a nurse I know the best information comes from people who r experiencing the same.
1. Katie Saville Contributor
 Hey <inline-mention user-id="2399218" username="ginny8945"/> ! I'm so glad you reached out. I agree, I feel like you can read all the information you want on the internet, but actually hearing other peoples stories and experiences is a lot more informative. Do you have any questions in particular that I could answer for you? I'm so sorry you've been suffering so much. I know the pain all too well, and the diagnosis can be really overwhelming at first. I can tell you that my doctor put me on Humira right off the bat. It took about 3 months, but once it kicked in it was night and day. I had days where I literally forgot what the pain was like. Unfortunately, I developed an allergy to it (and all TNF inhibitors) so I am back to square one. Have you and your doctor discussed any type of treatment plan yet? I look forward to chatting with you more! -Katie
2. Motherprednisone Member
 <inline-mention username="ginny8945" user-id="2399218"/> I was a nurse for 32 years. I thought for years in my 30s my back pain was from my job. When other joints joined in I knew it wasn’t normal. It took me 10 years to be diagnosed.
lini6262 Member
Two words--Shiatsu Massager. They work into your muscles with heat. Homedics makes some good ones. Also, biofreeze and a similar product I got from my chiropractor called Cryoderm which works a bit longer. Chriopractors! They can't cure you but can ease the suffering a bit. I have Tiger Balm too and it helps me sleep which is an added bonus. Wobenzym. Maybe someone has mentioned this wonderful supplement before.
1. Katie Saville Contributor
 Wow, thank you so much for sharing all those AWESOME recommendations! The tiger balm also helps me sleep! I've always wondered about the shiatsu massagers. Sounds like I may need to add that to my wish list. Definitely never head of wobenzym. Sounds like I'm about to be doing some research here! Thank you again for sharing all these great finds. I love finding new ways to relieve pain and hopefully others will find some of these useful as well! -Katie
nicolo Member
I have to say heated car seats are another must have. Doesn't matter summer or winter, if I'm going more than five minutes away the seat heater goes on! If it's warm out, just turn down the air conditioning! Lol! If I happen to travel without them, in a different vehicle, I can barely move when we go to get out. Definitely a life saver!
1. Katie Saville Contributor
 Oh, that's a great one and I could not agree more Nicolo! Right before my AS symptoms began I had bought a new car and I remember telling my husband over and over again how thankful I was for those seat heaters! I use them year round too!
Lawrence Rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
Oh I agree 100% with your list. It is so important to find comfort where we can so we can rest. Now of course Sheryl determines what my comfort is or not. I am just glad I am on the floor most of the time. rick - moderator
Auldyn Matthews Moderator & Contributor
I've never heard of Salonpas! I'm so excited to share this with Keegan. I assumed they wouldn't be helpful for AS symptoms. When do you find them the most helpful to use? Anytime you have pain? - Auldyn
1. Katie Saville Contributor
 Hey Auldyn! Yes, I use them anytime the pain is really, really bad. It doesn't take the pain completely away, but it definitely dulls it down a good bit. I really love using them at bedtime as well. They really help me get to sleep and stay asleep for at least 6 hours typically. My husband actually uses them now as well for his back when he's doing strenuous activities outside. If Keegan does decide try them out I hope they work well for him!

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