Spondylitis is a painful condition that describes an inflammatory spinal arthritis. Because of age-related changes in your spinal joints and chronic inflammation, your spine isn’t as flexible as it once was. Movements can become increasingly painful and as the breakdown of your joints continues, you may find it more difficult to stay physically active.
As a skilled interventional pain management specialist, Jose De La Torre, MD, understands how overwhelming chronic back pain from spondylitis can be. During the initial stages of your treatment for spondylitis, Dr. De La Torre focuses on conservative treatments and may recommend physical therapy.
Dr. De La Torre also treats spondylosis, a chronic arthritis that causes pain as result of age-related, degenerative changes in the structures of your spine.
The ultimate goals of physical therapy for spondylitis are to increase your spinal mobility while decreasing your level of pain. By working with a trained therapist, you can also begin rebuilding the muscles that support your spine to boost your long-term spinal health.
As part of your therapy, you can learn exercises that will improve your spine flexibility and range of motion. Many exercises involve stretches that help relieve pressure on your spinal nerves and can ease existing inflammation.
Other exercises you can expect to do as part of your treatment for spondylitis include:
Balance training is important for improving your overall stability while at rest and when you’re moving. Improving your balance is especially important for elderly people and those who live a sedentary lifestyle to reduce risk for falls and complications like fractures.
Aerobic exercises improve the function of your heart and lungs to help build your endurance and make it easier for you to breathe during physical activity.
Cardiovascular exercises help to increase the blood circulation from your heart to the rest of your body. This can stimulate your natural healing abilities and reduce your risk for heart-related health conditions.
Strengthening the back and abdominal muscles, also known as your core muscles, can better support your spine and naturally ease back pain. Additionally, building these muscles up stabilizes your spine, improves your balance, and helps you practice a healthy posture.
A good posture is essential for reducing your risk for chronic back pain caused by spondylosis. Unfortunately, when you have existing pain, you may unknowingly change your posture to find pain relief, which can ultimately worsen your pain.
Your therapist works closely with you on the exercises you should be doing to relieve spondylitis pain and bases your program on your age, existing health, and physical ability.
In addition to physical exercises, you may benefit from other nonsurgical therapies to ease pain and relax your muscles, such as:
If you’re struggling to engage in physical therapy or other treatments for spondylitis Dr. De La Torre can determine if over-the-counter or prescription medications are right for you. He also offers injections of steroids and anesthetics to reduce inflammation and pain, so you can increase your level of activity and engage in physical therapy.
To find out more about the benefits of physical therapy for spondylitis, schedule a consultation with Dr. De La Torre at New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine online or by calling the office today.
