AS Pain Relief

Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: A Personal Overview

Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) means that pain is rarely a stranger — whether it’s a dull ache in the hips, a sharp flare in the spine, or the stiffness that creeps in after just ten minutes of sitting still.

Pain with AS can change in intensity, location, and behaviour. It’s affected by things like stress, sleep, diet, hormones, and even the weather. For me personally, learning how to manage that pain has been one of the biggest challenges — and that’s what this page is all about.

For a general overview of Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms and treatment, check out the NHS website.

Everyone’s Pain Is Different

One thing I’ve realised is that AS doesn’t behave the same for everyone.

Some people have sharp lower back pain, others get migraines from inflammation in the neck — like I do. Sometimes it’s a general body ache, other times it’s a stabbing or burning sensation, or just constant tension in the joints or spine.

And frustratingly, what helps one day might not work the next.

What You’ll Find in This Series

This post is just the beginning. In upcoming posts, I’ll break down the ways I manage my AS pain in different areas of life:

• Daily Pain Management Tips
  Simple habits that help me stay mobile and cope while working, resting, or on the road.

• Flare-Up Relief Strategies
  What I do when pain gets worse — from breathing exercises to fast-acting supplements and meds.

• Stretching and Mobility
  How short runs, posture shifts, and stretches help reset my body and reduce stiffness.

• Posture and Ergonomics
  How I position myself — especially when driving — to avoid triggering more pain.

(Check back soon — these posts will be linked here once published.)

**🔽 Want to dive deeper?**
You’ll find all posts in this series listed at the bottom of this page — check back often as new ones are added!

Personal Reflections on AS Pain

I’ve found that certain things make my pain worse — like stress, poor sleep, or specific foods.

Interestingly (and oddly), when I’ve had the flu or a stomach bug, my AS pain has eased — as if my immune system gets too busy to attack my joints. Not a good trade-off, obviously, but it’s taught me just how immune-driven this condition is.

Supplements have helped, especially high-strength cod liver oil and B-complex vitamins. Magnesium helps at first, but if I don’t rotate the brand or type, it eventually causes issues.

I use painkillers sparingly. They work sometimes, but the side effects — like mood swings or energy crashes — aren’t always worth it.

You’re Not Alone

This series isn’t medical advice — it’s a set of honest insights from someone who lives with Ankylosing Spondylitis every day.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve had AS for years and still feel like you’re guessing, I hope what I share gives you practical tips, encouragement, and the feeling that someone out there truly understands.

You can also find support and resources from Versus Arthritis, a UK charity that focuses on helping people manage life with chronic joint conditions.

Read more about me and my story here.

This section of My Tip Offs is a work in progress. I’ll continue to share more pages about my journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis in the weeks ahead. Check back soon for updates!