Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion General Message Board for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Diseases Drug free pain relief? Anybody have suggestions?

Acupuncture provides some pain relief.

exercise, stretching, hot baths,showers; massage, proper sleep, finding a balance between activity and inactivity. (Sometimes sitting too long causes stiffness, and over doing can cause pain especially in my hips)

Have you tried the ThermaCare heat wraps and patches? I find these to be very helpful. Unlike a heat pad you can go anywhere because they are stuck onto you. Or some of them have a gauze belt that you insert some heat packs into. They are pretty thin and can be worn under clothes. The heat lasts 8 hours. They are disposable which can make them become expensive but well worth the cost. Somedays I look like a mummy with a wrap on each knee and one on low back and patches on thoracic, shoulders and neck! Hey....whatever works!
Amanda.

SEX.The endorphins released will provide pain relief. Believe me, it works.

Kim